てもらう

to get someone to do, to have someone do

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てもらう is a Japanese grammatical structure used to describe receiving a favor or having someone perform an action for the benefit of the speaker or another individual. It emphasizes the act of receiving help or a favor, making it equivalent to "to have someone do something for you" or "to get someone to do something" in English.

This structure highlights the gratefulness or benefit experienced by the speaker (or the subject of the sentence), showing that someone else’s action fulfills a need or request. Unlike てくれる, which focuses on the kindness of the person performing the action, てもらう shifts the perspective to the act of receiving help and often implies that the speaker initiated the request.

When making requests with てもらう, it is common to use polite forms such as てもらえますか or てもらえませんか, especially in formal contexts. These forms reflect the Japanese cultural emphasis on politeness, hierarchical relationships, and social harmony, ensuring that the request is made with respect and consideration for the other person.

In casual conversations, てもらう can take on a more straightforward tone and is commonly used among friends or family to discuss favors or received actions. This flexibility makes てもらう a versatile tool for expressing gratitude or reliance on others in various contexts.

Structure

Verb [ て ] + もらう

Verb [ て ] + もらいます (polite)

Verb [ て ] + もらった

Verb [ て ] + もらいたい

Negative Form:

Verb [ て ] + もらわない

Verb [ て ] + もらいません (polite)

Request Form:

Verb [ て ] + もらえる？

Verb [ て ] + もらえますか？(polite)

JLPT Level

Key uses

1. Receiving a favor or help

The most common use of てもらう is to express that someone does something for the speaker or someone else. It emphasizes that the action is done on behalf of or for the benefit of the speaker.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use highlights the recipient-beneficiary relationship, showing that the speaker is grateful for the action performed. It’s ideal for emphasizing kind gestures or assistance in casual conversations.

2. Polite requests for help

By changing もらう to its polite form, もらえますか or もらえませんか, the expression can be used to make polite requests. This is commonly used when asking for help in more formal situations.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use conveys respect and politeness, making it suitable for professional or formal contexts. Adding もらえますか softens the request, ensuring it sounds considerate and courteous.

3. Implying gratitude or benefit

てもらう often carries a nuance of appreciation or gratitude, implying that the speaker is thankful for the favor or help they are receiving.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use emphasizes gratitude and benefit, showing that the speaker recognizes and appreciates the kindness or effort of the other person. It’s perfect for expressing heartfelt thanks.

4. Talking about past or future favors

てもらう can be used to describe both past favors or future help, depending on how the sentence is structured. It’s useful for talking about favors you have received or expect to receive.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use showcases flexibility in tense, making it versatile for discussing past assistance or future plans. It’s ideal for expressing expectations or reflecting on past kindnesses.

Comparisons

1. てくれる (to do something for the speaker)

Both てくれる and てもらう describe acts of kindness received, but the focus differs. てくれる highlights the generosity or kindness of the person performing the action, while てもらう emphasizes the speaker’s perspective of receiving the favor. Use てくれる when appreciating the doer’s kindness and てもらう when focusing on the act of receiving help.

2. てあげる (to do something for someone else)

てもらう emphasizes that the speaker received help from someone, often in response to a request. While てくれる acknowledges the kindness of the giver, てもらう focuses on the speaker’s perspective as the recipient of the favor. Use てもらう when highlighting solicited assistance.