これありますか
kore arimasu ka
In Japanese, the phrase to say "do you have this" is これありますか (kore arimasu ka).
This phrase is most commonly used in retail settings when pointing at a photo, a catalog or a similar item to check stock.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 'kore' (this), 'arimasu' (to exist/to have for inanimate objects) and 'ka' (the question particle).
Which one should you use?
Adding the particle 'wa' after 'kore' (making it これはありますか) slightly emphasizes 'this' specifically, often used when comparing it to other items you might have already discussed.
How do you pronounce it?
kore arimasu ka
When do people say it?
The word ありがとう can be used to express gratitude.
Did you know?
- If a shopkeeper doesn't have the item, they may apologize by saying すみません and use a gesture of crossing their arms in an 'X' shape to visually communicate 'no'.
- If you are looking for a living thing, such as a pet or a plant, you should replace ありますか with いますか. While English uses 'have' for both, Japanese distinguishes between the existence of inanimate objects and living beings.
- While pointing is common, it is considered more polite to use こちら (this way/this one) rather than これ when asking a clerk for assistance. Using こちらありますか makes you sound much more sophisticated and less blunt.
Examples in context
- このCDを探していますが、ありますか？I'm looking for this CD, but do you have it?
- これありますか？kore arimasu ka?Do you have this?
Example conversation
Kenta is asking Himari, a shop assistant, about an item.
- 健太 Kentaすみません、これありますか？sumimasen, kore arimasu ka?Excuse me, do you have this?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、在庫はありますよ。hai, zaiko wa arimasu yo.Yes, we have it in stock.
- 健太 Kentaよかったです！ありがとうございます。yokatta desu! arigatou gozaimasu.That's good! Thank you very much.
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、どういたしまして。iie, dou itashimashite.No, you're welcome.
