あるがまま

あ

る

が

ま

Meanings

expression, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', adverb, noun

usually written using kana alone

Describes something in its natural, unadorned state, or a truthful, undisguised manner. Often used in set phrases like あるがままの自分 (one's true self) or あるがままを受け入れる (accept things as they are).

Kanji

在exist, outskirts, suburbs
儘as it is, because
有possess, have, exist

Related words

ありのまま
ありのまま is a near-synonym also meaning 'as it is' or 'the plain truth'. あるがまま is slightly more formal or literary, while ありのまま is more common in everyday speech.

Written forms

在あるがまま
Kanji form using 在る; occasionally seen but not common.
有あるがまま
rarely-used kanji form
Kanji form using 有る; rarely used.
在あるが儘まま
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form with 儘; it is rarely used.
有あるが儘まま
rarely-used kanji form
Rare kanji form with 儘; it is rarely used.

Etymology

A fixed phrase composed of the verb ある (to be) + が (subject marker) + まま (state, condition). Literally 'the state of being as it is'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it has been used in literary and philosophical contexts for centuries.