Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N3 · Intermediate 1
gratefully be allowed to
Use 「〜させてもらいます」 to show appreciation for being allowed or given a chance to act.
Who is doing the work? Grandfather lets me help; I am the one actually doing the farm work.
You see the other person’s permission or the opportunity they give you as a kindness, and express appreciation and gratitude.
Use the て-form of the causative + もらいます: 手伝う → 手伝わせて + もらいます.
もらいました describes a past experience of being allowed to do something; the speaker is still the person who does it.
When you want to do something yourself, you can also use this expression to ask for permission, with a tone of appreciation.
In the farm-work example, I help my grandfather with the work; he allows me to take part.
手伝ってもらいました means the other person helped me; with the causative form added, I am the one doing the helping.
In the presentation example, the school gives me many chances to speak; the speaker sees this as a valuable experience.
During the summer vacation, I was allowed to help with the farm work at my grandfather's house.
A: What kind of chores were you allowed to help with at home when you were a child?
B: I was allowed to be in charge of watering the garden. I was very happy.
A: That's a good experience. I was often allowed to stay home alone.
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
During summer vacation, I was allowed to help with farm work at my grandfather's house.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
夏休みに、祖父の家で畑の仕事を____。
During summer vacation, I was allowed to help with the farm work at my grandfather's house.
When I was a child, I was given many opportunities to give presentations at school.
