Translation guide
The English word "having" is often used to indicate possession, experience, or as part of a grammatical construction. In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent; instead, different structures are used depending on the intended meaning. This guide covers common ways to express these ideas naturally.
Expressing that someone has or owns something.
Used for inanimate objects or abstract things. The thing possessed is marked with が, and the possessor is often marked with に (for people) or には.
私には車があります。
I have a car.
彼はお金がたくさんある。
He has a lot of money.
Literally 'holding', used for tangible items you have on you or own. More concrete than ある.
今、財布を持っていますか？
Do you have your wallet now?
Used for living things (people, pets). The possessor is often marked with に.
私には妹がいます。
I have a younger sister.
Expressing that someone experiences something, often with a verb.
Used for events, experiences, or occurrences. The event is marked with が.
明日、会議があります。
I have a meeting tomorrow.
昨日、地震がありました。
There was an earthquake yesterday. (lit. We had an earthquake.)
Used to express having done something before (experience).
日本に行ったことがあります。
I have been to Japan.
Describing a characteristic or feature of something.
Expressing that someone eats or drinks something.
Simply use the verb 'to eat'. 'Having breakfast' is 朝ごはんを食べる.
朝ごはんを食べましたか？
Did you have breakfast?
Use the verb 'to drink' for beverages.
コーヒーを飲みたい。
I want to have some coffee.
Expressing that someone has a disease or symptom.
Used for illnesses or conditions. The condition is marked with が.
彼は熱がある。
He has a fever.
Used for diseases, meaning 'to be suffering from'.
彼は癌にかかっている。
He has cancer.
Expressing that someone has a relative or relationship.
Used for people, including family members.
私には子供が二人います。
I have two children.
Expressing mental states or emotions.
Used for thoughts, ideas, feelings.
いい考えがあります。
I have a good idea.
Literally 'to feel', used for emotions.
不安を感じる。
I have a feeling of anxiety.
Expressing that someone holds or hosts an event.
Used for hosting parties, meetings, etc.
今週末、パーティーを開きます。
We're having a party this weekend.
Can be used with event nouns, especially casual.
明日、飲み会をする。
We're having a drinking party tomorrow.
English 'having' is often part of a progressive form or gerund, which does not directly translate to Japanese. For example, 'I am having lunch' is simply 昼ごはんを食べています, not a form of 'have'. Always consider the core action or state.
今、昼ごはんを食べています。
I am having lunch now.
Use ある for inanimate objects and abstract things, いる for living beings. For plants, ある is generally used, but いる can be used if emphasizing life or movement.