ありますか
arimasu ka
In Japanese, "do you have" is expressed as ありますか (arimasu ka).
ありますか is used to ask if a person or a place possesses a specific inanimate object or an abstract concept, such as time or a physical sensation like a fever.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "does it exist?" rather than "do you possess it?"
Which one should you use?
Use ありますか when asking about inanimate objects or abstract concepts like time or a fever.
How does it change in a sentence?
ありますか is the polite interrogative form of the verb あります.
How do you pronounce it?
arimasu ka
Did you know?
- In Japanese, you do not use the word for 'you' when asking this question. Adding 'anata' (you) can actually make the sentence sound distance or even confrontational.
- The distinction between inanimate objects and living things is so strict that using ありますか for a person or animal sounds like you are treating them as a piece of furniture or a stone.
- If you ask ありますか in a shop, the clerk may answer with ございません instead of ありません, which is an ultra-polite version of the same verb.
Examples in context
- 熱はありますか。Do you have a fever?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a fever.Tatoeba #121893 by bunbuku, translation #433669 by CK
- 痛みはありますか。Do you have any pain?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is experiencing pain.Tatoeba #125678 by small_snow, translation #278314 by CK
- 時間がありますか。Do you have some time?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has some time.Tatoeba #150639 by bunbuku, translation #64449 by CK
- 231 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta asks Yui about her work schedule.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんは明日、予定がありますか。Yui-san wa ashita, yotei ga arimasu ka.Yui, do you have plans tomorrow?
- 結衣 Yuiいいえ、特に何もありません。Iie, toku ni nani mo arimasen.No, I don't have anything in particular.
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、一緒に映画を見ませんか。Jaa, issho ni eiga o mimasen ka.Then, would you like to see a movie together?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、ぜひ！Hai, zehi!Yes, I'd love to!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
