How to Say ‘Do you have experience?’ in Japanese
経験はありますか。
keiken wa ari masu ka
[kay-ken wah ah-ree mah-soo kah]
💬 Usage Tip: [経験は] uses [は] to highlight the topic: “As for experience…” You can answer: [はい、あります] / [いいえ、ありません].
🇯🇵 In Japan: If you have limited experience, it’s okay—Japanese interviews appreciate honesty plus willingness to learn ([勉強したいです]).
Phrase Breakdown
経験
keiken
[kay-ken]
experience
The topic being asked about. In caregiver interviews, you can answer with years, facility type, and tasks.
介護の経験はありますか。
Do you have caregiving experience?
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker “as for …”
Marks 経験 as the topic: “As for experience, …?”
経験はありますか。
Do you have experience?
ありますか
ari masu ka
do you have (it)?
あります (polite “to exist/have” for non-living things/abstract things) + か (question). Used for experience, time, money, etc.
時間がありますか。
Do you have time?
Words in this phrase
あり
ari
[ah-ree]
to exist / to have (polite stem)
In questions, it asks whether you have something: 経験はありますか = Do you have experience?
経験はありますか、と聞かれたら正直に答えます。
If you are asked “Do you have experience?”, answer honestly.
ます
masu
[mah-soo]
polite verb ending
Keeps the question polite, appropriate for an interview setting.
経験はありますか。
Do you have experience?
か
ka
[kah]
question particle
Makes it a question. Often spoken with a rising intonation.
経験はありますか。
Do you have experience?
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