あり
Possibility, To have, With
Structure
Explanation
The word あり is the formal, written form of the う-Verb 有る, meaning 'to have' or 'to exist'. It is used much like なし, but rather than meaning something is 'lacking (A)', it shows that something 'includes (A)' as one of its features. This idea of being 'one of its features' is key, as あり is most often used when presenting something as one choice out of a wider range of possibilities.
- ピザを頼むのもありじゃない？Ordering pizza is an option, isn't it?
- 朝食ありのプランで予約したいです。I'd like to book a plan that comes with breakfast.
- 写真有りで説明してほしいので、写真を見せてもらえますか。I'd prefer an explanation with pictures, so could you please show me some?
あり is also commonly used by itself as a simple reply. This indicates that the listener agrees with a suggestion or believes it is a viable option.
- 田中さん：「週末は映画に行くのも有りだよね？」
山田さん：「ええ、それもありですね。」Tanaka-san: 'Going to the movies this weekend is a great idea, don't you think?'
Yamada-san: 'Yeah, that's definitely an option.'
Caution
You may also occasionally see the kanji 在る used. While the difference is minor, 有り generally implies 'being included as part of a larger whole', whereas 在り places more emphasis on 'simply existing by itself'.
Examples
週末の予定、映画もありだね。
For our weekend plans, a movie is also a possibility, isn't it?
プレゼントは、本もありだと思うよ。
As for a present, I think a book is also an option.
お昼ご飯はラーメンもありじゃない？
Ramen is also an option for lunch, don't you think?
このカフェはWi-Fiありだから便利だね。
This cafe is convenient because it has Wi-Fi.
その青いシャツもありだけど、赤の方が絶対いいよ。
That blue shirt is a possibility, but the red one is definitely better.
夏休みの旅行は、北海道もありだね。
Hokkaido is also an option for our summer trip.
このホテルは温泉ありだって！ここにしようよ！
I heard this hotel has a hot spring! Let's stay here!
あの人は優しいから、リーダーとしてありかもしれない。
That person is kind, so they might be an option for the leader role.
今日は疲れたから、早く寝るのもありだな。
I'm tired today, so going to bed early is also an option.
この会社は給料が高いからありだけど、家から遠すぎる。
This company is a possibility because the salary is high, but it's too far from my house.
このケーキは卵ありなので、食べられません。
I can't eat this cake because it has eggs in it.
広告：「朝食ありのプランもご用意しております！」
Advertisement: 'We also have plans available with breakfast!'