godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
receive; get; accept; take; buy
Humble verb for receiving something from a superior or someone to whom you want to show respect. Often used when the giver is of higher status. Can also be used for buying or taking something in a humble manner.
See also: 貰う
先生から本をいただきました。
I received a book from my teacher.
お土産をいただいて、ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much for the souvenir.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Humble/polite verb for eating or drinking. Used to describe one's own actions or those of one's in-group when speaking to someone of higher status. Common in set phrases like いただきます before a meal.
もう昼ごはんをいただきましたか。
Have you already eaten lunch? (polite)
おいしいコーヒーをいただきました。
I had some delicious coffee.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
be crowned with; wear on one's head; have on top
Original meaning: to place something on one's head or to have something above. Now mostly used in fixed expressions or literary contexts. The humble nuance is not present here.
雪をいただく富士山の姿は美しい。
The sight of Mt. Fuji crowned with snow is beautiful.
王冠をいただく。
To wear a crown.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
have as one's leader; live under a ruler; install a president
Used when someone is placed in a high position or when one serves under a leader. Often seen in historical or formal contexts. Not humble.
彼を会長にいただく。
We have him as our chairman.
新しい大統領をいただく国。
A country that installs a new president.
auxiliary verb, godan verb (-ku)
have someone do something
Humble auxiliary verb following the -te form of a verb. Indicates that the speaker receives a favor from someone of higher status. The action is performed by the other person for the speaker's benefit.
See also: 貰う (もらう)
先生に作文を直していただきました。
I had my teacher correct my composition.
駅までの道を教えていただけますか。
Could you tell me the way to the station? (polite request)