もらう

1To receive something — an object, an action, or a kindness — from someone. The receiver is the subject, and the source is marked with に or から. One of the three core giving/receiving verbs alongside あげる (we give to them) and くれる (they give to us, giver as subject); use the humble いただく to honor the giver. Almost always written in kana; the kanji 貰う is rarely seen.

2Auxiliary after a verb's -te form, in the pattern 〜てもらう: to have someone do something for the speaker (or speaker's in-group). The subject is the receiver of the favor; the actor is marked with に. The benefit flows the same way as 〜てくれる, but the viewpoint flips — 先生に直してもらう (I had the teacher correct it) vs. 先生が直してくれた (the teacher corrected it for me). The request forms 〜てもらえますか / 〜ていただけますか are extremely common.

3(colloquial) To take or be on the receiving end of something unwelcome — a punch, a stinging criticism, a counterattack. Heard in boxing/martial arts and in discussion contexts: 一発もらう (take a hit), 厳しい指摘をもらう (get hit with sharp criticism).

4(colloquial) To catch a cold or illness — literally, to "receive" a disease from someone. Used in 風邪をもらう, インフルエンザをもらう, etc. The verb originally implies receiving something welcome, so this usage carries a slightly wry or casual tone.