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How to Say ‘To have (polite)’ in Japanese

あります

ari masu

[ah-ree mahss]

💬 Usage Tip: Polite form of “to exist/to have.” For qualities: [やる気があります] (“I have motivation”). Negative: [ありません].

🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese interview language often uses “I have…” statements to sound clear but not too boastful.

Phrase Breakdown

あり

ari

[ah-ree]

exist; have (stem of ある)

Stem of ある (to exist/to have). Combined with ます to form polite あります.

Example

経験があり、すぐに貢献できます。

I have experience and can contribute right away.

ます

masu

[mahss]

polite verb ending (makes it polite)

Attached to a verb stem to make polite present/future form (あります, します, etc.).

Example

自信があります。

I have confidence.

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