〜てもらう

〜てもらう expresses have someone do (for me). The giving and receiving system (あげる/もらう/くれる) is uniquely important in Japanese, reflecting social relationships, hierarchy, and the direction of benefit. Using the correct form shows awareness of these social dynamics.

This is an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

When to Use#

• Receiving a favor: 先生に教えてもらった (I had the teacher teach me)
• Getting help: 友達に手伝ってもらった (I had my friend help me)

When NOT to Use#

• When the meaning is closer to "do (for someone)" — use 〜てあげる instead
• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 医者に診てもらいました。 — I went to see a doctor.
• 上司に書類をもらいました。 — I received a document from my boss.
• 父に荷物を持ってもらいました。 — I had my father carry my luggage.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Confusing 〜てもらう with 〜てあげる — While both are related, 〜てもらう expresses "have someone do (for me)" whereas 〜てあげる expresses "do (for someone)." Pay attention to the specific nuance each pattern conveys.
2. Using 〜てもらう interchangeably with 〜てくれる — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜てくれる (do (for me)) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
3. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜てもらう may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜てあげる (do (for someone)) — Compare
• 〜ていただく (have (humble) someone do) — Similar
• 〜てくれる (do (for me)) — Similar
• 〜てもらえる (can have someone do) — Next step