あります
arimasu
In Japanese, "I have" is expressed as あります (arimasu) when referring to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
あります is used to state that the speaker possesses an inanimate object or an abstract concept. This includes physical things, but also extends to things like time, money, questions or medical symptoms. For example, you can use it to say you have a question or a fever. Note that if you are expressing that you have a skill, you would use 得意です instead and if you are referring to having a family member like a younger brother, you would use います.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on whether the thing you "have" is living or non-living. Use あります for inanimate objects and abstract concepts. For living beings, such as people or animals, you must use います instead.
How do you pronounce it?
arimasu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use あります to say they "have" a person or a pet. When referring to living beings, use います instead.
Did you know?
- Using あります to describe a fever or symptom is common, but if you describe a cold as 'having' it, you might use ひいています (hiite imasu), which literally means 'to be pulling' a cold.
- Japanese distinguishes between あります for inanimate objects and います for living things, but some 'living' things like plants are treated as inanimate and use あります.
- The verb あります actually means 'to exist' rather than 'to possess'. When you say you 'have' an object, you are literally saying that the object 'exists' in your vicinity.
Examples in context
- 微熱があります。I have a slight fever.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a slight fever.Tatoeba #85582 by bunbuku, translation #39956 by CK
- 質問があります。I have a question.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a question.Tatoeba #149535 by bunbuku, translation #378292 by CK
- 先約があります。I have a previous appointment.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a previous appointment.Tatoeba #164567 by small_snow, translation #249940 by rul
- 私は本を持っています。I have a book.
- 証明書を所持しています。I have the certificate.
- 車を持ってる。I have a car.
- 家を持ってる。I have a house.
- 137 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are preparing for a trip.
- 結衣 Yui陽太くん、地図は持っている？Yōta-kun, chizu wa motte iru?Yota, do you have the map?
- 陽太 Yotaいいえ、持っていません。Iie, motte imasen.No, I don't have it.
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫。私にあります。Daijōbu. Watashi ni arimasu.That's okay. I have it.
- 陽太 Yota助かったよ、結衣ちゃん。Tasukatta yo, Yui-chan.You saved me, Yui.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
