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How to Say ‘I have’ in Japanese

あります

ari masu

[ari masu]

💬 Usage Tip: [あります] is often used for having experience or years of experience, not just physical objects. In job talk, [2年あります] means "I have two years," with [経験] understood from context.

Phrase Breakdown

あり

ari

[ari]

exist / have

Part of a polite verb meaning there is / to have.

Example

経験がありますと言います。

I say, 'I have experience.'

ます

masu

[masu]

polite ending

A formal ending used to make the verb polite.

Example

ありますは面接でよく使います。

Arimasu is often used in interviews.

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