Translation and Meaning of: 受ける - ukeru

If you have already studied Japanese, you have certainly come across the verb 受ける (うける), one of those words that seems simple but carries a variety of meanings and uses in everyday life. In this article, we will dive into the etymology, pictogram, and curiosities of this versatile word, as well as explore how it is applied in everyday situations. If you want to better understand how to use 受ける in contexts such as exams, damage, or even popularity, keep reading—and feel free to jot down some phrases for your Anki or spaced repetition program.

Etymology and Pictogram of 受ける

The kanji 受 is composed of two elements: 爪 (tsume), which represents an outstretched hand, and 又 (mata), which symbolizes another hand. Together, they form the idea of "receiving" or "accepting" something that is being passed along. This visual image helps to understand why 受ける is related to actions like catching a ball, accepting a lesson, or even suffering damage—after all, all of this involves "receiving" something from someone or some situation.

Interestingly, this same kanji appears in other words like 受付 (うけつけ) (reception) and 受験 (じゅけん) (taking an exam), reinforcing the idea of acceptance or going through something. If you have ever taken a test like the JLPT, for example, you have probably heard someone say 試験を受ける (しけんをうける)—literally, "receive the exam".

Common Uses and Nuances of 受ける

The verb 受ける is a wildcard in Japanese. It can mean anything from "catching a ball" (ボールを受ける) to "going through a difficult experience" (ダメージを受ける). In the world of studies, it's common to hear 授業を受ける (attending a class), while at work you might 注文を受ける (accept an order). The flexibility of this word makes it essential for any language student.

An interesting use—and one that often confuses beginners—is when 受ける appears in the sense of "to be successful" or "to be well received". For example, if someone says 彼のジョークは受けた (かれのジョークはうけた), it means that his joke was a success. This nuance shows how Japanese can transform an apparently simple verb into something full of layers.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

An effective way to remember 受ける is to associate it with situations where something is "received"—whether it's a physical object, an experience, or even an emotional reaction. Imagine yourself in a baseball game: when the ball comes your way, you ボールを受ける. If you take a fall, 怪我を受ける (けがをうける). And if you tell a joke and everyone laughs? 大受けした (おおうけした)—in other words, it was a success!

Another tip is to pay attention to fixed expressions, such as 人気を受ける (にんきをうける) (to gain popularity) or 検査を受ける (けんさをうける) (to have a medical examination). These combinations are so common that, once memorized, you will naturally begin to recognize the verb in different contexts. And if you want a challenge, try creating your own sentences using situations from your daily life—it's the best way to internalize the vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 受ける

• 受ける - Present positive masu form
• 受けられる - Potential
• 受けた - Positive past
• 受けない - Negative present
• 受けたい - Shape of desire
• 受けて - imperative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 受け取る (ukeru tooru) - Receive, receive something that was given
• 受け入れる (ukeireru) - Accept, acknowledge something
• 受け止める (uketomeru) - Stop something that is coming, absorb an idea or emotion.
• 受け継ぐ (uketsugu) - Inheritance, passing something from one generation to another
• 受け付ける (uketsukeru) - Receive or accept a request or application
• 受ける (ukeru) - Receiving can refer to experiences or treatment.
• 受けさせる (ukesasero) - Allow someone to receive or experience something.
• 受け身を取る (ukemi o toru) - Adopt a passive or defensive stance
• 受け流す (ukenagasu) - Divert or ignore a criticism or offense
• 受け容れる (ukeireru) - Accept, generally referring to something more in an emotional or spiritual sense.

受ける

Romaji: ukeru
Kana: うける
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: accomplish; to accept; catch (lesson, test, damage); pass by; to experiment; Take (for example, a ball); become popular.

Meaning in English: to undertake;to accept;to take (lesson test damage);to undergo;to experience;to catch (e.g. a ball);to become popular

Definition: Receive things and influences from other people.

Example Sentences - (受ける) ukeru

See below some example sentences:

不当な扱いを受けた。

Futou na atsukai wo uketa

I received an unfair treatment.

I was treated unfairly.

• 不当な - unfair, inappropriate
• 扱い - treatment, management
• を - direct object particle
• 受けた - received (past tense of the verb 受ける - ukeru)

影響を受けた人々は多かったです。

Eikyou wo uketa hitobito wa ookatta desu

Many people have been affected.

• 影響を受けた人々は多かったです。
• 影響 - influence
• を - direct object particle
• 受けた - received
• 人々 - people
• は - Topic particle
• 多かった - there were many
• です - is (politeness)

私は日本語の級を受けたいです。

Watashi wa Nihongo no kyuu wo uketai desu

I want to take a Japanese course.

I want to receive a Japanese class.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本語 (nihongo) - noun meaning "Japanese" or "Japanese language"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between nouns
• 級 (kyuu) - noun that means "level" or "class"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 受けたい (uketai) - verb in the desiderative form that means "to want to do" or "to wish to receive"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence