Kukkii o moraimashita

We previously learned “ageru” and “yaru,” which describe the transfer of objects from “uchi” (inside one’s own group or territory) to “soto” (outside of it). In this lesson, we will focus on the verbs that describe the transfer in the opposite direction—from “soto” (outside) to “uchi” (inside). The verbs “morau” and “kureru” are used to express the movement of objects from “soto” to “uchi.”

Think of this transfer as something coming from outside (soto) into your own sphere (uchi).
“Morau” means ‘to receive’ and is used when the speaker or someone within the speaker’s “uchi” receives something from an external party (soto).
On the other hand, “Kureru” is used when someone from “soto” gives something to the speaker or someone within their “uchi.”

While both verbs indicate that the object moves from “soto” to “uchi,” the perspective differs: “morau” focuses on the act of receiving, while “kureru” focuses on the act of giving from the outside. It means that “uchi” is the subject of “morau”, and “soto” is the subject of “kureru”.

“morau” and “kureru”

“Morau” and “kureru” are both the actions from “soto” to “uchi”, while “ageru” and “yaru” are mainly the actions from “uchi” to “soto”.
“Morau” and “kureru” are different in the perspective of an agent (the person who takes actions).

Watashi wa A-san kara ringo o moraimashita. (I received an apple from A-san.)
A-san wa watashi ni ringo o kuremashita. (A-san gave me an apple.)

The agents are different but the flows of the apple are the same; from outside “soto” to inside “uchi”. (From A to me.)
Using “morau” and “kureru” can also express an obligation and an appreciation.

“…te morau” and “…te kureru”

“Morau” and “kureru” can be combined with verbs to express actions that flow from “soto” (outside) to “uchi” (inside). By using the TE-form of a verb followed by “morau” or “kureru,” you can describe receiving or being given an action or favor from someone else.

Watashi wa A-san ni tetsudatte moraimashita. (I received a help from A-san. = A-san helped me.)
A-san wa watashi o tetsudatte kuremashita. (A-san helped me.)

“Tetsudatte moraimashita” and “tetsudatte kuremashita” are not only “tetsudaimashita”, these express that A helped me and I appreciate A. “Helping” is transferring from A to me, but the agents are different.

“Uchi” and “Soto”

“Uchi” is not only “I”, but people around you are also counted as “uchi”. It could be your families, friends, colleagues and people who are close in relation. It changes depending on situations.

Watashi no kodomo ga satousan kara kukkii o moraimashita. (My child got cookies from Stousan.)
Satousan ga watashi no kodomo ni kukkii o kuremashita. (Satousan gave cookies to my child.)

Expression

Satousan kara kukkii o moraimashita. (I got some cookies from Mr. Sato, and I appreciate it.)

Kodomo ga otoshidama o moraimashita. (Children got New Year’s gifts from someone.)

Satousan ga yasai o katte kite kuremashita. (Mr. Sato bought vegetables, and I appreciate it.)

Satousan ni yasai o katte kite moraimashita. (I pleased Mr. Sato to go to buy some vegetables.)

Satousan ga watashi no tsukutta ryouri o tabete kuremashita. (Mr. Sato ate dishes I made, and I appreciate it.)

Satousan ni watashi no tsukutta ryouri o tabete moraimashita. (I pleased Mr. Sato to eat the dishes I made.)