Translation guide
The English verb 'have' covers possession, existence, attributes, experiences, and obligation. Japanese expresses these with different constructions depending on the meaning. Direct translation is often unnatural.
Expressing ownership or holding of things
Standard way to say 'have' for inanimate possessions. 持つ means 'to hold/carry', and 持っている is the progressive state meaning 'to have/own'.
私はスマホを持っています。
I have a smartphone.
彼は大きな家を持っている。
He has a big house.
Literally 'N exists'. Used for possession when the focus is on existence rather than active ownership. Often used for abstract things or when the owner is obvious.
Formal/literary term for 'possess'. Used in legal or official contexts.
彼は広大な土地を所有している。
He possesses vast land.
Expressing having family, friends, pets, etc.
Uses the existence verb いる for animate things. The person is marked with に or には to indicate the possessor.
私には妹がいます。
I have a younger sister.
彼女は猫を飼っている。
She has a cat. (lit. keeps a cat)
Describing features, qualities, or parts of something
Topic-comment structure: 'As for N, A exists'. Used for describing attributes like size, color, features.
この車はエアコンがついている。
This car has air conditioning.
彼女は髪が長い。
She has long hair.
Expressing having an experience, event, or occurrence
Uses ある for events, experiences, or abstract happenings. The experiencer is often marked with に.
明日テストがあります。
I have a test tomorrow.
彼は事故にあった。
He had an accident.
Expressing having a physical sensation or condition
Expressing necessity or obligation
Standard formal expression for 'must/have to'. ならない is slightly more formal than いけない.
宿題をしなければならない。
I have to do my homework.
Casual contraction of なければ. Used in everyday speech.
Expressing causing or letting someone do something
Causative form. Can mean 'make/let/have someone do'. Context determines whether it's forcing or allowing.
子供に野菜を食べさせた。
I had my child eat vegetables.
Expresses receiving a favor. 'Have someone do something for you' with a nuance of gratitude.
Expressing consuming food or drink
Standard verb for 'eat'. Use for solid foods.
English 'have' is extremely versatile, but Japanese rarely uses a single verb. Always consider the meaning: possession, existence, attribute, experience, obligation, etc. Using 持っている for everything will sound unnatural.
✕ 私は頭痛を持っています。
I have a headache. (unnatural)
○ 頭が痛いです。
I have a headache. (natural)
Use ある for inanimate objects and abstract concepts. Use いる for people, animals, and other sentient beings. For plants, ある is generally used, but いる can be used for potted plants or when emphasizing life.
質問はありますか？
Do you have any questions?
予約をしています。
I have a reservation.
彼女は目が青い。
She has blue eyes.
とても楽しかったです。
We had a great time.
Specifically for pets or animals you keep. 飼う means 'to raise/keep (an animal)'.
犬を飼っていますか？
Do you have a dog?
For attached features or accessories. ついている means 'is attached/equipped'.
この部屋にはエアコンがついています。
This room has air conditioning.
For activities or events where 'have' means 'do' or 'hold'. Often used with parties, meetings, etc.
週末にパーティーをします。
We're having a party this weekend.
For sensations like smells, tastes, feelings. 'I have a feeling...' etc.
吐き気がする。
I feel nauseous. (lit. have nausea)
もう行かなくちゃ。
I have to go now.
Casual abbreviation implying 'if I don't... (it will be bad)'. Very common in speech.
急がないと！
I have to hurry!
友達に手伝ってもらった。
I had a friend help me.
朝ごはんを食べましたか？
Did you have breakfast?
Standard verb for 'drink'. Use for beverages.
コーヒーを飲みたい。
I want to have some coffee.
Humble form of 食べる/飲む. Used when receiving food/drink from someone, or in polite situations.
もう十分いただきました。
I've had enough, thank you.
机の上に本がある。
There is a book on the desk.
部屋に猫がいる。
There is a cat in the room.
When stating possession or existence related to a person, には often sounds more natural than は alone. It highlights the person as the location/possessor.
私には夢がある。
I have a dream.
机の上に本がある。
There is a book on the desk.
部屋に猫がいる。
There is a cat in the room.
When stating possession or existence related to a person, には often sounds more natural than は alone. It highlights the person as the location/possessor.
私には夢がある。
I have a dream.