Translation guide
The English word 'getting' covers many meanings, from receiving and obtaining to becoming, understanding, and causing. This guide breaks down the most common uses and shows how to express them naturally in Japanese.
To receive a physical object, gift, or item from someone.
The most common verb for receiving something from someone. The giver is marked with に or から.
I got a present from my friend.
To receive or accept something, often formally or physically. Used for packages, documents, etc.
Humble form of もらう. Use when the giver is of higher status or to show politeness.
To obtain, acquire, or get hold of something, often through effort.
To become or get into a certain state, often with adjectives.
To understand, catch, or get the meaning of something.
The most common verb for understanding. Often used in the past tense わかった for 'I got it'.
To get someone to do something, i.e., to make or have them do it.
Used to express getting someone to do something for you as a favor. The person doing the action is marked with に.
I got my friend to help me.
To get to a destination.
The standard verb for arriving at a place.
もらう means 'receive' from the receiver's perspective. くれる means 'give' from the giver's perspective, but the giver is someone giving to the speaker or speaker's in-group. For 'I got a present from my friend', use もらう. For 'My friend gave me a present', use くれる.
My friend gave me a present.
Do not use 得る (eru) or 手に入れる for 'get tired', 'get cold', etc. Use the adjective + なる pattern instead.
荷物を受け取りました。
I received the package.
先生から本をいただきました。
I received a book from my teacher.
Literally 'put into one's hand'. Used for obtaining something desired, often after effort.
I finally got the tickets.
To gain, obtain, or acquire. More formal and often used in written language or set phrases.
I was able to gain experience.
To obtain, procure, or get hold of. Common in business or formal contexts.
I obtained the materials.
He became famous.
The verb 'to become'. Can be used with nouns, na-adjectives, and some adverbs.
I want to become a doctor.
Oh, I get it!
To comprehend or understand. More formal than わかる.
I couldn't understand his feelings.
Causative form. Can mean 'make/let someone do', but often implies forcing or allowing. Use with care.
Can sound forceful. 〜てもらう is softer and more natural for favors.
I made my child eat vegetables.
駅に着いた。
I got to the station.
Formal term for arrival, used in announcements or writing.
We will soon arrive in Tokyo.