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.
友達にプレゼントをもらった。
I was given a present by my friend.
先生から本をもらいました。
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.
部長にお土産をいただきました。
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.
友達がプレゼントをくれた。
My friend gave me a present.
Honorific form of くれる. Used when a superior gives something to the speaker.
先生が推薦状をくださいました。
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.
先輩にアドバイスをもらった。
I was given advice by my senior colleague.
先生に許可をもらいました。
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.
彼は新しい役割を与えられた。
He was given a new role.
私たちは平等な機会を与えられるべきだ。
We should be given equal opportunities.
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.
彼女は彼から指輪をもらった。
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.
学生たちは課題を与えられた。
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.
その子は祖父にちなんで名付けられた。
The child was given a name after his grandfather.
Can be used for titles or labels in a formal context.
彼には「天才」という称号が与えられた。
He was given the title of 'genius'.
Passive of つける (to attach/assign). Casual way to say a name or label was given.
その猫に変な名前がつけられた。
The cat was given a weird name.
Someone receives a penalty or unfavorable outcome.
Passive of 科す (to impose). Used for fines, penalties, duties.
彼は罰金を科せられた。
He was given a fine.
Passive of 言い渡す (to pronounce/sentence). Used for court sentences.
被告に懲役10年が言い渡された。
The defendant was given a 10-year prison sentence.
Means 'to receive' and can be used for punishments or damage.
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.
友達が本をくれた。
My friend gave me a book.
私は友達に本をもらった。
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.
彼は賞状を受け取った。
He was given a certificate.
He was given a severe punishment.