Japanese grammar
What does ～てある mean? Japanese grammar N4
～てある means has been done and remains in that state.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N が + Vて + ある |
| Romaji | tearu |
| Meaning | has been done and remains in that state |
Forming it
| Connection | N が + Vて + ある |
|---|
How to use it
Expressing the resulting state left over from a deliberate action, usually with a transitive verb.
- ～てある focuses on a state that has been deliberately prepared by someone.
- Compared to ～ている, which describes a state or an action in general, ～てある implicitly carries a preparatory purpose.
Examples
机の上に資料が置いてあります。
The materials have been placed on the desk.
会議室はもう予約してあります。
The meeting room has already been reserved.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong窓が開けています。
Correct窓が開けてあります。
When emphasizing that someone deliberately opened it and left it that way, use the transitive verb 開ける + てある.
Exam tips
- てある usually goes with a transitive verb and a prepared result that is still present.