何か持っている
nanika motte iru
In Japanese, "I have something" is said as 何か持っている (nanika motte iru).
This phrase is used to state that you possess a physical object or a piece of information.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 何か (nanika), which means "something".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you "had" or "used to have" something, you can use the form 持っていた.
How do you pronounce it?
nanika motte iru
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the verb 持つ is often used for taking responsibility for a bill. Saying 私が持ちます means 'I will have the bill' or 'it is on me'.
- When saying 'I have something' to a superior, you would replace this phrase with 持っております. This uses a special humble verb form that lowers the speaker's status to show respect to the listener.
- While 持っている means 'to possess', it is also used to describe a person's 'luck' or 'destiny'. A person who is naturally lucky is said to 持っている, implying they 'have it' in them.
Examples in context
- 私は本を持っている。I have a book.
- ペン持っている？Do you have a pen?
- 私はパソコンを持っています。I have a computer.
- 彼は何か持っているようです。kare wa nanika motte iru you desu.It looks like he has something (on him).
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are talking about a gift for a friend.
- 陽太 Yotaプレゼントにいい案はある？Purezento ni ii an wa aru?Do you have any good ideas for a present?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、何か持っているよ。Un, nanika motte iru yo.Yes, I have something.
- 陽太 Yotaそれは何？Sore wa nani?What is it?
- 美咲 Misaki内緒だよ。Naisho da yo.It's a secret.
