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.
I have a car.
He has a lot of money.
Literally 'holding', used for tangible items you have on you or own. More concrete than ある.
Do you have your wallet now?
Used for living things (people, pets). The possessor is often marked with に.
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.
I have a meeting tomorrow.
There was an earthquake yesterday. (lit. We had an earthquake.)
Used to express having done something before (experience).
I have been to Japan.
Describing a characteristic or feature of something.
Use an adjective directly. Japanese often uses adjectives where English uses 'having + noun'.
This room is spacious. (lit. This room has spaciousness.)
Used for abstract qualities or features.
He has talent.
Expressing that someone eats or drinks something.
Expressing that someone has a disease or symptom.
Used for illnesses or conditions. The condition is marked with が.
He has a fever.
Used for diseases, meaning 'to be suffering from'.
He has cancer.
Expressing that someone has a relative or relationship.
Used for people, including family members.
I have two children.
Expressing mental states or emotions.
Used for thoughts, ideas, feelings.
I have a good idea.
Literally 'to feel', used for emotions.
I have a feeling of anxiety.
Expressing that someone holds or hosts an event.
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.
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.
There is a book on the desk. (I have a book on the desk.)
I want to have some coffee.
We're having a drinking party tomorrow.
There is a dog in the garden. (We have a dog in the garden.)