I was taught that もらう, which is directed towards the speaker/in-group, **requires the receiver to be the subject**. For example: (私は)友達にプレゼントをもらった。
But is this always the case? In my textbook, an example says: 教科書、忘れちゃったの。見せてもらえない？But if you add in 私は to make it (私は)見せてもらえない？ it is incorrect/changes the meaning, I’ve been told. Why does the rule mentioned above not apply?
Are the rules for あげる, もらう, and くれる different when they’re acting as helping verbs, not the main verb? And if so, what are they? Why can’t I say (あなたは)見せてくれれない？
2 comments
Edit: why does it change the meaning? You said it changes the meaning adding私は. The meaning is: I forgot my textbook. I received the act of (someone?) showing it to me. I received a look at it. I’m the one getting the look/favour so I’m the subject.
Previous comment:
I’m no expert but I am first so I will give something for the time being.
Why is the subject 私?
Why can’t someone else receive something? Johnはもらう
As far as I remember.
もらう. The focus is on the subject receiving. So whoever receives is は
くれるfocuses on the person giving the item to me. So whoever gives it is は.
あげる focuses on the subject giving the item to someone. So I give, I’m は.
You’re looking at two different usages of もらう
もらう alone as a verb acts differently than てもらう which acts more like a way to express in what way a deed was performed.