Japanese dictionary
How to say "have" in Japanese
持っているもっている · motte iru
"Have" depends on what you have. For things you own, use 持っている (motte iru). For plans or objects in general, use ある (aru). For people or pets, use いる (iru).
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Ways to say "have" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| 持っているもっている · motte iru | To have; to own; to hold. |
| あるある · aru | To have (things, events, plans). |
| いるいる · iru | To have (people, pets). |
| 食べる・飲むたべる・のむ · taberu, nomu | To have (food or drink). |
How to use it
"I have a meeting" is 会議があります (kaigi ga arimasu). "I have two kids" is 子どもが二人います.
"Have lunch" is 昼ご飯を食べる, and "have to" is 〜なければならない.
Example sentences
- 車を持っていますか。Kuruma o motte imasu ka.Do you have a car?
- 午後に会議があります。Gogo ni kaigi ga arimasu.I have a meeting this afternoon.
- 兄弟が三人います。Kyōdai ga sannin imasu.I have three siblings.
- お昼は何を食べますか。O-hiru wa nani o tabemasu ka.What are you having for lunch?
- 今日は時間がありません。Kyō wa jikan ga arimasen.I don't have time today.
- 明日は早く起きなければなりません。Ashita wa hayaku okinakereba narimasen.I have to get up early tomorrow.
Kanji in this word
Questions
What is the difference between ある and いる?
Use ある (aru) for things, plans and events. Use いる (iru) for people and animals: 犬がいます (I have a dog).
How do you say "I have to" in Japanese?
Use 〜なければなりません (nakereba narimasen), as in 行かなければなりません (I have to go).
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