Translation guide
Expresses that someone receives something, is granted something, or is presented with something. Japanese uses different verbs depending on who gives and who receives, the relationship between them, and the nature of what is given.
The speaker or someone in their in-group receives a tangible item from someone else.
The most common verb for receiving something from someone. The giver is marked with に or から. Used when the receiver is the speaker or someone close to them.
I was given a present by my friend.
I received a book from my teacher.
Humble form of もらう. Used when receiving from a superior, customer, or someone to whom you want to show respect.
I was given a souvenir by the department manager.
Used when someone gives something to the speaker or their in-group. The giver is the subject, and the receiver is marked with に. Focuses on the giver's action.
My friend gave me a present.
Honorific form of くれる. Used when a superior gives something to the speaker.
The teacher kindly gave me a letter of recommendation.
The speaker receives something abstract like a chance, information, or help.
Also used for abstract things. The giver is marked with に.
I was given advice by my senior colleague.
I got permission from the teacher.
Humble form for abstract things from superiors.
Passive form of 与える (to give). Sounds more formal and objective, often used for opportunities, roles, or abstract things.
He was given a new role.
Describing a situation where someone else receives something from another person.
Can be used when the receiver is not the speaker, but the speaker empathizes with the receiver. Often used in storytelling.
She was given a ring by him.
Means 'to receive' in a neutral sense, focusing on the act of accepting or taking delivery. Does not imply gratitude or relationship.
Passive form, neutral and formal. Suitable for objective descriptions.
The students were given an assignment.
Someone or something is assigned a name or designation.
Passive of 名付ける (to name). Specifically for being given a name.
The child was given a name after his grandfather.
Can be used for titles or labels in a formal context.
Passive of つける (to attach/assign). Casual way to say a name or label was given.
The cat was given a weird name.
Someone receives a penalty or unfavorable outcome.
もらう focuses on the receiver's action (I received), while くれる focuses on the giver's action (someone gave to me). Use もらう when the receiver is the subject, and くれる when the giver is the subject. Both imply a sense of gratitude or benefit.
My friend gave me a book.
I received a book from my friend.
English passive 'be given' often translates to active forms in Japanese, especially when the receiver is the speaker. Using passive forms like 与えられる can sound overly formal or impersonal. Choose the verb based on the relationship and context.
社長からお言葉をいただきました。
I received some words from the company president.
We should be given equal opportunities.
彼は賞状を受け取った。
He was given a certificate.
He was given the title of 'genius'.
The defendant was given a 10-year prison sentence.
He was given a severe punishment.