How to Say ‘There is not; we don't have (polite)’ in Japanese
ありません
ari mase n
[ah-ree mah-seh n]
💬 Usage Tip: [ありません] is polite negative of “to exist.” Pattern: [X はありません] = “There is no X.”
🇯🇵 In Japan: You’ll hear it a lot in clinics: [いたみはありません] (no pain), [アレルギーはありません] (no allergies).
Phrase Breakdown
あり
ari
[ah-ree]
exist; have (part of ありません)
The あり- part comes from ある (to exist/to have). In ありません it becomes a polite negative: “there isn’t / I don’t have.”
もんだいはありませ ん。
There is no problem.
ませ
mase
[mah-seh]
polite negative stem (part of ありません)
ませ is part of the polite negative form (ません). Combined with あり + ませ + ん → ありません.
おおきなもんだいはありませ ん。
There is no major problem.
ん
n
[n]
not (negative ending)
Completes the polite negative (ません).
もんだいはありません。つまりだいじょうぶです。
There is no problem; in other words, it’s okay.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager