受ける

• Reading: うける
• Romaji: ukeru
• Kanji breakdown: 受 (ju/u) — receive, accept, take
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To receive; to take (an exam, interview, etc.); to undergo. Accepting or being subjected to something.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb with broad usage. Key patterns: 試験を受ける (take an exam), 手術を受ける (undergo surgery), 影響を受ける (be influenced), 印象を受ける (receive an impression). In casual speech, ウケる means 'that's hilarious.' One of the most versatile N4 verbs.

Examples

1. 来週日本語の試験を受けます。 I'm taking a Japanese exam next week.
2. この映画は世界中で高い評価を受けました。 This movie received high praise from around the world.
3. 先生からアドバイスを受けてよかったです。 I'm glad I got advice from my teacher.

Usage Guide

Context: exams, experiences, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 受 depicts two hands (爪 and 又) passing an object between them, capturing the act of receiving something from another person.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal