Guide: How to Say “Had” in Japanese – Formal and Informal Ways

When learning a new language like Japanese, it’s essential to understand how to express various tenses and aspects. In English, the word “had” is commonly used to indicate the past perfect tense. However, in Japanese, there are different ways to convey this concept based on the formality of speech and the context in which it is used. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “had” in Japanese, providing you with tips and examples along the way.

Formal Ways to Say “Had” in Japanese

When speaking formally in Japanese, you generally use polite language to show respect to the listener or the situation. To express “had” in a formal context, the word “arimashita” (ありました) is often used. Here are a few examples:

1. Example 1: 昨日、食事をしましたか？
   (Kinou, shokuji o shimashita ka?)
   Translation: Did you have a meal yesterday?
   Explanation: In this formal sentence, “shimashita” is the polite past tense of “suru” (to do), indicating “had” in reference to having a meal.
2. Example 2: 彼は去年日本に行きました。
   (Kare wa kyonen Nihon ni ikimashita.)
   Translation: He had gone to Japan last year.
   Explanation: In this sentence, “ikimashita” is the polite past tense of “iku” (to go), expressing the idea of “had” in reference to going to Japan.
3. Example 3: 先週、重要なプレゼンテーションがありました。
   (Senshuu, juuyou na purezentaishon ga arimashita.)
   Translation: There was an important presentation last week.
   Explanation: In this example, “arimashita” is used to express “had” in the sense of the presence or occurrence of an event.

Informal Ways to Say “Had” in Japanese

Informal language is commonly used among friends, family, or casual situations. When you want to express “had” in an informal way, you can use the plain past tense form of the verb. Let’s take a look at some examples:

1. Example 1: 昨日、食べた？
   (Kinou, tabeta?)
   Translation: Did you have (eat) yesterday?
   Explanation: In this informal sentence, “tabeta” is the plain past tense form of “taberu” (to eat) and signifies “had” in reference to having a meal.
2. Example 2: 昨夜、友達と話した。
   (Sakuya, tomodachi to hanashita.)
   Translation: I had a conversation with my friend last night.
   Explanation: In this example, “hanashita” is the plain past tense form of “hanasu” (to speak), representing the idea of “had” in reference to having a conversation with a friend.
3. Example 3: 雨が降った。
   (Ame ga futta.)
   Translation: It had rained.
   Explanation: Here, “futta” is the plain past tense form of “furu” (to rain), indicating the idea of “had” in reference to rain happening in the past.

Tips and Regional Variations

While the formal and informal ways described above are widely applicable throughout Japan, it is important to note that there may be regional variations and dialects that could alter the way to express “had” in some areas. For example, in certain regions, the word “atta” (あった) is used colloquially instead of the more standard “arimashita” (ありました) in formal language to express “had.” Similarly, the verb “natta” (なった) may be used instead of “arimashita” in certain contexts. These regional variations add vibrant diversity to the Japanese language, making it even more fascinating to explore.

Pro Tip: To enhance your understanding and mastery of the Japanese language, it is beneficial to expose yourself to different forms of media such as books, movies, and music from various regions. This exposure will help you become familiar with regional variations in vocabulary and usage, including different ways to say “had.”

Learning how to say “had” in Japanese is an important step in effectively communicating past events. By understanding the formal and informal ways, you can express yourself appropriately in different social contexts. Remember to pay attention to the regional variations when you encounter them, as they showcase the rich linguistic diversity that exists in Japan. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to express all your past experiences accurately in Japanese!