がある + (Noun)
Noun (B) that has Noun (A), Noun (B) with Noun (A)
Structure
(1) + Noun
(1) のある
Explanation
In this structure, がある serves to modify the noun that comes after it. The phrase it forms, '(A) がある (B)', translates to '(B) that has (A)' or '(B) with (A)'. This is a type of descriptive phrase known as a relative clause, which behaves much like an adjective.
- プールがあるホテル。A hotel with a pool.
- 映画館があるデパート。A department store that has a movie theater.
English relative clauses often begin with a pronoun like 'who' 誰, 'which' どれ, 'that' それ・あれ, or 'where' どこ. Japanese, however, does not require these connecting words, and the noun being modified will appear immediately after がある.
Caution
In a relative clause, (B) is treated as the main subject of the phrase, since (A) is simply describing it. Because of this, は is almost never used instead of が. On the other hand, the particle の can sometimes replace が, as one of its core functions is to show a connection between two nouns.
- 池はある公園。A park that... well... it has a pond. (Unnatural Japanese, unless you are making a contrast with something the park lacks. This is an advanced use of は)
- 有名な神社のある町。A town with a famous shrine. (Natural Japanese, but が is more frequent)
Examples
プールがあるホテル。
A hotel with a pool.
庭がある家。
A house that has a garden.
経験がある人。
A person who has experience.
質問がある学生。
A student who has a question.
ポケットがあるズボン。
Pants that have pockets.
長い歴史がある国。
A country with a long history.
素敵な意味がある言葉。
A word with a wonderful meaning.
たくさん本がある図書館。
A library with many books.
有名なお寺がある街。
A town with a famous temple.
力がある人。
A person who has strength.
広いバルコニーがあるアパート。
An apartment with a spacious balcony.
甘い匂いがあるパン屋。
A bakery with a sweet smell.