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'.
I have a smartphone.
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.
I have a dream.
Formal/literary term for 'possess'. Used in legal or official contexts.
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.
Describing features, qualities, or parts of something
Topic-comment structure: 'As for N, A exists'. Used for describing attributes like size, color, features.
Expressing having an experience, event, or occurrence
Uses ある for events, experiences, or abstract happenings. The experiencer is often marked with に.
I have a test tomorrow.
Expressing having a physical sensation or condition
Use an adjective directly describing the body part. 'I have a headache' becomes 'Head is painful'.
I have a headache.
Expressing necessity or obligation
Standard formal expression for 'must/have to'. ならない is slightly more formal than いけない.
Expressing causing or letting someone do something
Causative form. Can mean 'make/let/have someone do'. Context determines whether it's forcing or allowing.
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.
I have a headache. (unnatural)
Do you have any questions?
彼には才能がある。
He has talent.
I have a younger sister.
She has a cat. (lit. keeps a cat)
Specifically for pets or animals you keep. 飼う means 'to raise/keep (an animal)'.
Do you have a dog?
This car has air conditioning.
She has long hair.
For attached features or accessories. ついている means 'is attached/equipped'.
This room has air conditioning.
He had an accident.
For activities or events where 'have' means 'do' or 'hold'. Often used with parties, meetings, etc.
We're having a party this weekend.
I'm thirsty. (lit. throat is dry)
For sensations like smells, tastes, feelings. 'I have a feeling...' etc.
I feel nauseous. (lit. have nausea)
I have to do my homework.
Casual contraction of なければ. Used in everyday speech.
I have to go now.
Casual abbreviation implying 'if I don't... (it will be bad)'. Very common in speech.
I have to hurry!
I had my child eat vegetables.
Expresses receiving a favor. 'Have someone do something for you' with a nuance of gratitude.
I had a friend help me.
Did you have breakfast?
Standard verb for 'drink'. Use for beverages.
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.
I've had enough, thank you.
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.
There is a book on the desk.
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.
I have a dream.
I have a reservation.
She has blue eyes.
We had a great time.