![(Alt Text: Joy bowing to boss [Itadakimasu] vs. Joy getting gift from friend [Moraimasu])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-14-2026-06_49_24-PM.png)
(Joy bowing to boss [Itadakimasu] vs. Joy getting gift from friend [Moraimasu])
“I received a gift from my friend.” vs. “I received a certificate from the President.”
Both mean “Receive,” but the level of respect is different. もらいます (Moraimasu) is standard. いただきます (Itadakimasu) is humble (Keigo). Let’s learn the difference with Joy and Ken!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy is telling Ken about her busy day.
そのあと、社長（しゃちょう）に お土産（みやげ）を いただきました！
(Today, I “received” snacks from a friend. After that, I “humbly received” a souvenir from the Company President!)
Joyさんは 愛（あい）されていますね。
(From the President? That’s amazing! You are loved, Joy.)
💡 Explanation
It depends on who gave it to you.
Point 1: Moraimasu (もらいます) = Standard
Use this for Equals (Friends, Colleagues) or Juniors/Family. It is polite but not “super” polite.
- 友達（ともだち）に ペンを もらいました。
(I received a pen from my friend.) - 母（はは）に 野菜（やさい）を もらいました。
(I received vegetables from my mother.)
Point 2: Itadakimasu (いただきました) = Humble
Use this for Superiors (Boss, Teacher, Senior, Customer). You lower yourself to show respect to the giver.
- 先生（せんせい）に 本（ほん）を いただきました。
(I humbly received a book from my teacher.) - 先輩（せんぱい）に アドバイスを いただきました。
(I humbly received advice from my senior.)
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Receiving a pen from a friend)
❌ Wrong: 友達（ともだち）に ペンを いただきました。
(Using humble language with a friend creates distance. It sounds like you are not close friends!)
✅ Right: 友達（ともだち）に ペンを もらいました。
(Use the standard form for friends.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
