ある

• Reading: ある
• Romaji: aru
• Kanji breakdown: 有 (yuu/a) — to have, to exist, to possess
• Pronunciation: /a.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be; to exist; to have. The fundamental verb for expressing the existence of inanimate objects and abstract things.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb with an irregular negative form: ない (not あらない). While the kanji 有る exists, this verb is almost always written in hiragana. Used for non-living things and abstract concepts — for people and animals, use いる instead. Common patterns: 机の上に本がある (there is a book on the desk), 時間がある (to have time).

Examples

1. 机の上にペンがあります。 There is a pen on the desk.
2. 駅の近くにコンビニがある。 There's a convenience store near the station.
3. 今日は時間がありますか。 Do you have time today?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, descriptions, locations

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 有 depicts a hand (又) holding meat (月/肉), representing possession — 'to have' something in hand. Over time, the meaning broadened to general existence.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal