Meaning

Primary

To Have

Alternative

To Exist

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means have, so this verb version means to have. An alternative meaning is to exist, because having something means that it exists for you.

The kanji isn't used too often for this word, so just use the kana when you write it. But you'll see the kanji used sometimes, so it's important to be able to recognize it!

Reading

ある
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

To have things is very nice. You let out a satisfied "Ah ()…" whenever you think about all the stuff you have. To exist is pretty neat too, but don't think about that one too hard — we don't want that satisfied "Ah…" turning into an "AHHH" of existential dread, after all.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • ニーズが有る

    to have a need, there is a need

    車が有る

    to have a car

    お金が有る

    to have money

Context Sentences

マヨネーズなら、まだ少し有る。

We still have a little mayonnaise.

大学入学のためのお金は有りますか?

Do you have money for university enrollment?

今は車が一台しか有りません。

Right now we only have one car.

Kanji Composition