受(う)ける

うける
verb (ichidan)
to receive, to take (an exam)
1. to receive, to get
To receive something that is given, sent, or directed toward you. Often used for abstract things like impressions, influence, or damage.
彼(かれ)は大(おお)きな影響(えいきょう)を受(う)けた。
He received a big influence. / He was greatly influenced.
影響(えいきょう)を受(う)ける = to be influenced
台風(たいふう)で大(おお)きな被害(ひがい)を受(う)けた。
We suffered major damage from the typhoon.
被害(ひがい)を受(う)ける = to suffer damage
印象(いんしょう)を受(う)けた。
I received an impression.
批判(ひはん)を受(う)けた。
I received criticism.
注目(ちゅうもく)を受(う)けている。
It is receiving attention.
2. to take (an examination, interview)
To undergo or sit for an exam, test, interview, or medical examination.
来週(らいしゅう)試験(しけん)を受(う)けます。
I will take an exam next week.
試験(しけん)を受(う)ける is the standard expression for 'take a test'
面接(めんせつ)を受(う)けに行(い)く。
I'm going to have an interview.
手術(しゅじゅつ)を受(う)けた。
I underwent surgery.
検査(けんさ)を受(う)ける。
To undergo an examination.
入学(にゅうがく)試験(しけん)を受(う)けた。
I took the entrance exam.
授業(じゅぎょう)を受(う)ける。
To attend a class.
3. to be popular, to be well-received (colloquial)
In casual speech, to be funny or successful with an audience. Often used as ウケる in katakana.
その冗談(じょうだん)、すごくウケた！
That joke was a big hit!
Colloquial usage meaning 'went over well'
その話(はなし)はウケるよ。
That story will go over well.
若者(わかもの)にウケている。
It's popular with young people.
この映画(えいが)は海外(かいがい)でもウケた。
This movie was a hit overseas too.
彼(かれ)の物真似(ものまね)はいつもクラスでウケている。
His impressions are always a hit in class.

TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞(たどうし) (transitive). Pattern: Xを受(う)ける (receive/take X). No intransitive pair.

ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing state or completed action with continuing relevance. 受(う)けている = 'is receiving/undergoing' or 'has received.'

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 試験(しけん)を受(う)ける (take an exam)
  • 面接(めんせつ)を受(う)ける (have an interview)
  • 影響(えいきょう)を受(う)ける (be influenced)
  • 被害(ひがい)を受(う)ける (suffer damage)
  • 印象(いんしょう)を受(う)ける (receive an impression)
  • 手術(しゅじゅつ)を受(う)ける (undergo surgery)

NUANCE: Unlike もらう (to receive from someone), 受(う)ける often implies receiving something abstract or undergoing an experience. For concrete gifts, もらう is more natural.

COLLOQUIAL: ウケる (often in katakana) means 'to be funny/popular.' 彼(かれ)の話(はなし)がウケた = 'His story went over well.'

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Added 2026.1.8 19:11 · Revised 2026.3.7 10:53
01000/01215_ukeru