Translation guide
How to express that something or someone is available in Japanese, depending on context: for things, people, time, and services.
Saying that an item is in stock, obtainable, or not sold out.
The most basic and common way to say something is available, meaning 'there is' or 'exists'. Use with the particle が.
Is that book still available?
There are seats available.
Literally 'to come into one's hands', meaning something is obtainable or available for purchase. Often used for items that may be hard to get.
Is this limited edition still available?
A formal, written term meaning 'obtainable' or 'available'. Common in product descriptions or business contexts.
This product is available online.
Saying that someone is free to do something or meet.
Means 'to be free' or 'not occupied'. Used for people's schedules or rooms/seats.
Are you available tomorrow afternoon?
He is available now.
Literally 'hands become free', meaning to become available after finishing a task. Casual.
Please help me when you're available.
Means 'to be able to arrange one's schedule' or 'to be convenient'. Slightly formal.
Saying that a service, facility, or feature is available for use.
Means 'can be used' or 'available for use'. Common for services, facilities, and features.
This app is available for free.
The parking lot is available 24 hours.
Casual potential form of 使う (to use), meaning 'can be used' or 'available'. Very common in everyday speech.
Means 'supports' or 'is compatible with', used for features like language support or payment methods.
Saying that a time slot or chance is available.
The English phrase 'be available' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as 利用可能である or 入手可能である can sound overly formal or unnatural in casual conversation. Choose the expression based on what is available (thing, person, service, time).
Are you available next Tuesday?
このクーポンはまだ使えますか。
Is this coupon still available?
Is this website available in English?