Translation guide
How to express possession in Japanese: ownership, having something with you, or having a quality/feature.
Expressing that someone owns or possesses an object, property, or abstract thing.
The most common way to say 'someone has/possesses something'. Uses the verb 持つ (to hold/possess) in the ている form for a state.
He has a car.
I have a passport.
Used for possession of abstract things, qualities, or sometimes physical objects, especially when emphasizing existence rather than active holding. Often used for talents, time, or opportunities.
He has talent.
I don't have time.
Formal/literary way to say 'possess'. Used in legal or official contexts.
He possesses vast land.
Expressing that you have an item on your person or are carrying it.
Same pattern as ownership, but context clarifies it's on your person. Can also mean 'I have it with me'.
Do you have your wallet with you now?
You should bring an umbrella.
Formal term for 'carrying' or 'having on one's person', often used for devices or weapons.
He always carries a knife.
Describing that something possesses a certain attribute, feature, or quality.
In Japanese, adjectives directly describe the subject without a verb for 'have'. Use い-adjectives or な-adjectives.
This room is spacious. (lit. This room possesses spaciousness.)
She is kind.
Used for possessing qualities like 'meaning', 'value', 'history', etc.
This word has a deep meaning.
Means 'to be equipped with' or 'to possess' a feature/function. Often used for products or systems.
Talking about having a skill, qualification, or ability.
Use the potential form or できる to express ability. For skills, often use できる or specific verbs.
He can speak English. (He possesses the ability to speak English.)
Used for qualifications, licenses, or certifications.
He has a teaching license.
English uses 'have' for many abstract qualities (have time, have meaning, have talent). Japanese often uses ある (exist) or adjectives instead. Saying '時間を持っている' is unnatural; use '時間がある'.
I have time.
持っている implies active possession or holding, often for concrete objects. ある is used for existence/possession of abstract things, or when the possessor is not actively holding the item. For body parts, use ある (彼は青い目がある - He has blue eyes).
He has blue eyes.
その絵は価値がある。
That painting has value.
This car is equipped with the latest safety features.