もらう

• Reading: もらう
• Romaji: morau
• Kanji breakdown: 貰 (morau) — to receive, to accept
• Pronunciation: /mo.ɾa.ɯ/

Meaning

To receive; to get; to accept. Used when you receive something from someone.

A Group 1 (godan) verb. While the kanji 貰う exists, it is typically written in hiragana. Part of the giving/receiving triad: あげる (give up), くれる (give to me), もらう (receive). Also used as a grammar pattern ～てもらう meaning 'to have someone do something for you.'

Examples

1. 誕生日にプレゼントをもらいました。 I received a present for my birthday.
2. 先生にアドバイスをもらった。 I got advice from my teacher.
3. 友達から手紙をもらって嬉しかったです。 I was happy to receive a letter from my friend.

Usage Guide

Context: gifts, daily life, requests

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Written 貰う in kanji, where 貰 is a character meaning to receive or beg. The hiragana form もらう is standard in modern writing due to the kanji being outside common-use lists.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal