Translation guide
How to express possession in Japanese: ownership, having something with you, or having a quality/feature.
Expressing that someone owns or possesses an object, property, or abstract thing.
The most common way to say 'someone has/possesses something'. Uses the verb 持つ (to hold/possess) in the ている form for a state.
彼は車を持っている。
He has a car.
私はパスポートを持っています。
I have a passport.
Used for possession of abstract things, qualities, or sometimes physical objects, especially when emphasizing existence rather than active holding. Often used for talents, time, or opportunities.
Formal/literary way to say '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 that you have an item on your person or are carrying it.
Same pattern as ownership, but context clarifies it's on your person. Can also mean 'I have it with me'.
今、財布を持っていますか？
Do you have your wallet with you now?
傘を持ってきたほうがいいよ。
You should bring an umbrella.
Formal term for 'carrying' or 'having on one's person', often used for devices or weapons.
彼はいつもナイフを携帯している。
He always carries a knife.
Describing that something possesses a certain attribute, feature, or quality.
In Japanese, adjectives directly describe the subject without a verb for 'have'. Use い-adjectives or な-adjectives.
Used for possessing qualities like 'meaning', 'value', 'history', etc.
この言葉には深い意味がある。
This word has a deep meaning.
その絵は価値がある。
That painting has value.
Means 'to be equipped with' or 'to possess' a feature/function. Often used for products or systems.
この車は最新の安全機能を備えている。
This car is equipped with the latest safety features.
Talking about having a skill, qualification, or ability.
Use the potential form or できる to express ability. For skills, often use できる or specific verbs.
Used for qualifications, licenses, or certifications.
彼は教員免許を持っている。
He has a teaching license.
English uses 'have' for many abstract qualities (have time, have meaning, have talent). Japanese often uses ある (exist) or adjectives instead. Saying '時間を持っている' is unnatural; use '時間がある'.
時間がある
I have time.
持っている implies active possession or holding, often for concrete objects. ある is used for existence/possession of abstract things, or when the possessor is not actively holding the item. For body parts, use ある (彼は青い目がある - He has blue eyes).
彼は青い目がある。
He has blue eyes.