Which particle is better に or から?


〇〇さんにプレゼントをもらいました。 〇〇さんからプレゼントをもらいました。

I feel it is more natural to use particle に, but I'm not a native speaker. Can
someone please help me out on this? Both these options are listed in the
current text I'm using to teach my students, but I want to be able to explain
in further detail. I also wish to advise them of the difference between the
use of the two and which is more common.




If に marks the source of something then it can be replaced by から, eg：

> 父にもらいました｜I received it from my father.
>
> だれに聞きましたか。｜Who told you?

If に marks an agent then it cannot. eg:

> 僕はアメリカ人に英語を教えてもらいました。｜I had an American teach me English.
>
> (兄は私に五時間も運転させました。｜My older brother made me drive for 5 hours.)

Also, に＝>psychological closeness to the human source so sometimes から has be
used, eg:

> ビルさんは[文科省]{もんかしょう}から／に＊[奨学金]{しょうがくきん}をもらいました |
>
> Bill received a scholarship from the Ministry of Education.

In your example either is fine.

_Reference: Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar - ni(3)_

