が有る
To be, There is
Structure
Explanation
The grammar pattern がある is formed by combining the particle が with the う-Verb ある. It is used to express the existence of something, translated as 'there is' or 'to have', and applies only to inanimate objects or concepts.
- 今日、会議がある。There's a meeting today.
- 事務所に机がある。There is a desk in the office.
Since the subjects in the sentences above are not alive, the verb ある is required. For living beings, such as people and animals, the verb いる is used instead.
ある conjugates to its polite form, あります. The sound change from る to り confirms that it is a う-Verb (Godan verb). Be aware that ある has an irregular plain negative form: ない. The expected conjugation, あらない, is incorrect.
- テーブルにパンがある。There is bread on the table. (Correct example)
- テーブルにパンがあります。There is bread on the table. (Correct example)
- 時間がない。I don't have any time. (Correct example)
- この店に窓がありません。This store doesn't have any windows. (Correct example)
- ペンがあらない。A pen don't exist. (Incorrect example, with incorrect English to match!)
You will frequently encounter the kanji version of this verb, 有る, so it is a good idea to learn it early to avoid reading difficulties. Whether the kanji or hiragana is used makes no difference to the meaning and is simply a matter of the writer's choice.
- 何か理由が有る。There is some kind of reason.
Caution
In informal situations, the が particle is frequently dropped from がある. This is common in casual conversation and informal writing like text messages or manga.
- かばんの中に何ある？What is in the bag?
Examples
机がある。
There is a desk.
お金がない。
I don't have any money.
理由があります。
There is a reason.
興味がない。
I'm not interested.
エアコンがあります。
There is an air conditioner.
池がある。
There is a pond.
鍵がある。
There is a key.
公園があります。
There is a park.
駐車場がありません。
There isn't a parking lot.
ミルクがある。
There is milk.
面白い話がありますか。
Do you have any interesting stories?
予定があります。
I have plans.