How to Say ‘Do you have experience?’ in Japanese
経験はありますか。
keiken wa ari masu ka
[keh-ken wah ah-ree mahss kah]
💬 Usage Tip: Literally: “As for experience, is there (any)?” Very natural Japanese phrasing.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Interviewers may ask this, then expect details: length of time, setting (home/facility), and specific care tasks.
Phrase Breakdown
経験
keiken
[keh-ken]
experience
Key interview word. If asked, answer with years and specific tasks you can do safely (transfers, bathing, dementia support, records).
経験はありますかと面接で聞かれます。
In the interview, you are asked, “Do you have experience?”
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker particle “as for…”
Sets “experience” as the topic of the question: “As for experience, do you have it?” (pronounced “wa”).
経験はありますか。
Do you have experience?
あります
ari masu
there is; I have (for non-living things)
Polite form of 「ある」. Used for possession/existence of things like time, experience, money.
少し時間があります。
I have a little time.
Words in this phrase
あり
ari
[ah-ree]
exist; have (informal stem)
Stem used to build あります. In answering, you can say 「あります」 (Yes, I do) or 「ありません」 (No, I don’t).
介護の経験がありました。
I had caregiving experience.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending (makes あります)
Polite ending used in interview questions/answers. Keeps the tone respectful.
経験があります。
I have experience.
か
ka
[kah]
question particle
Makes the sentence a question. In interviews, listen for か to know you’re being asked something.
経験はありますか。
Do you have experience?
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