Japanese word

ある

Pronunciation

Romajiaru

Meaning

  • verbthere is, be

Example

ここにペンがあるので、使います。ko ko ni pe n ga a ru no de tsuka i ma su

There is a pen here, so I will use it.

Illustration for ある (there is)

More examples

かばんは机の下にあります。ka ba n wa tsukue no shita ni a ri ma su

The bag is under the desk.

駅の近くに新しい店があります。eki no chika ku ni atara shi i mise ga a ri ma su

There is a new store near the station.

Core concept

Marks the presence or existence of something that is not treated as a living person or animal.

Common phrases

  • ここにあるko ko ni a ru

    be here

  • 机の上にあるtsukue no ue ni a ru

    be on the desk

Similar words

いるiru: Indicates that a living person or animal is present or exists in a particular place or situation.
残るnokoru: Indicates that something remains after part of it has been used, removed, or passed.

Definition in Japanese

人や動物以外のものが、特定の場所や場面に存在することを表す。hito ya dō butsu i gai no mo no ga toku tei no ba sho ya ba men ni son zai su ru ko to o arawa su

Word origin

ある (aru) is a native Japanese verb inherited from Old Japanese あり (ari, "exist"); the spellings 有る (aru, "exist") and 在る (aru, "be present") reflect related meanings.

Usage tips

  • ある (aru) can describe an amount or period that remains, as in まだ三日ある (mada mikka aru), meaning "three days are still left."

Opposites

Word lists with this word