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something has been done (state)
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-て + ある' is used to describe a state that exists because someone performed an action with a specific purpose. The focus is on the current result of that intentional action. This pattern is often used to describe a situation or condition that has been intentionally created or achieved. For example, '壁にきれいな絵があります' means 'There is a beautiful picture on the wall', implying that someone has intentionally hung the picture there. This pattern can also be used to describe a state of preparation or readiness, such as 'パーティーの準備はもうあります', meaning 'The party preparations are now complete'.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Te-form of the verb | V-て + ある | 壁にきれいな絵が描いてある |
| Te-form of the verb (with a negative meaning) | V-て + ない | 壁にきれいな絵が描いてない |
| Te-form of the verb (with a specific purpose) | V-て + ある (with a specific purpose) | 壁にきれいな絵が描いてあるように見える |
Examples
壁にきれいな絵があります。
Kabe ni kireina e ga arimasu.
There is a beautiful picture on the wall.
壁に (on the wall) + きれいな (beautiful) + 絵が (picture) + あります (exists)
パーティーの準備はもうあります。
Pātī no junbi wa mō arimasu.
The party preparations are now complete.
パーティーの (party) + 準備 (preparations) + は (topic marker) + もう (already) + あります (exists)
机の上に辞書があります。
Tsukue no ue ni jisho ga arimasu.
There is a dictionary on the desk.
机の上に (on the desk) + 辞書が (dictionary) + あります (exists)
彼女は英語がよくある。
Kare wa eigo ga yoku aru.
She is good at English.
彼女は (she) + 英語が (English) + よく (good at) + ある (exists)
Context
This pattern is used to describe a state that exists because someone performed an action with a specific purpose. It is often used in formal or written Japanese. It can be compared to the pattern 'V-て + いる', which describes an ongoing action or an intransitive state. The pattern 'V-て + ある' is more formal and is often used in situations where the focus is on the current result of an intentional action.
Watch out
The key difference between 'te iru' and 'te aru' is the focus. 'Te iru' focuses on the ongoing action or intransitive state, while 'te aru' focuses on the current result of an intentional action.
Intransitive verbs do not take an object, so they cannot be used to describe a state that exists because someone performed an action with a specific purpose.
The key difference between 'te aru' and 'te atta' is the tense. 'Te aru' describes a current state, while 'te atta' describes a past state.
Strategy
When using the pattern 'V-て + ある', make sure to use a transitive verb and focus on the current result of an intentional action. Also, be careful not to confuse it with 'te iru' or 'te atta'.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-て + ある used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
壁にきれいな絵が掛けてあります。
Pattern used: 掛けて
'Te aru' requires the transitive verb 'kakete' to show someone intentionally hung the picture.
パーティーの準備はもうしてあります。
Pattern used: して
'Shite aru' indicates that the preparations are currently in a completed state.
机の上に辞書が置いてあります。
Pattern used: 置いて
'Oite aru' emphasizes that the dictionary is there as a result of someone's deliberate action.
Interactive
壁にきれいな絵が______あります。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.