“To receive” in Japanese is もらう, pronounced morau.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To receive or get something from someone. The giver takes に or から.
Example sentences
- 母に花をもらいました。ははにはなをもらいました。I got flowers from my mother.
- プレゼントをもらって、うれしかったです。プレゼントをもらって、うれしかったです。I was happy to get a present.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of もらう. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | もらう | receive |
| Polite present | もらいます | receive |
| Polite negative | もらいません | don’t receive |
| Polite past | もらいました | past of “receive” |
| Plain negative (ない) | もらわない | don’t receive (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | もらった | past of “receive” (casual) |
| て-form | もらって | receive and… / please receive (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | もらいたい | want to receive |
Quick practice
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Which word means “to send”?
Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to receive in Japanese?
To receive in Japanese is もらう, pronounced “morau”.
Is もらう on the JLPT?
Yes. もらう (morau) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.