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.
友達にプレゼントをもらった。
I got a present from my friend.
To receive or accept something, often formally or physically. Used for packages, documents, etc.
荷物を受け取りました。
I received the package.
Humble form of もらう. Use when the giver is of higher status or to show politeness.
先生から本をいただきました。
I received a book from my teacher.
To obtain, acquire, or get hold of something, often through effort.
Literally 'put into one's hand'. Used for obtaining something desired, often after effort.
やっとチケットを手に入れた。
I finally got the tickets.
To gain, obtain, or acquire. More formal and often used in written language or set phrases.
経験を得ることができた。
I was able to gain experience.
To obtain, procure, or get hold of. Common in business or formal contexts.
資料を入手しました。
I obtained the materials.
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'.
あ、わかった！
Oh, I get it!
To comprehend or understand. More formal than わかる.
彼の気持ちを理解できなかった。
I couldn't understand his feelings.
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.
友達に手伝ってもらった。
I got my friend to help me.
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.
子供に野菜を食べさせた。
I made my child eat vegetables.
To get to a destination.
The standard verb for arriving at a place.
駅に着いた。
I got to the station.
Formal term for arrival, used in announcements or writing.
まもなく東京に到着します。
We will soon arrive in Tokyo.
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.
友達がプレゼントをくれた。
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.