Question
of the Week
Vol. 14
Q. What is the difference between the verb "aru" and "motsu" since both are translated as "to have" in English?
A. The verb "aru （ある）" can be used to express possession (to have, to own) as well as physical existence (there is~).
|
Hon ga arimasu. 本があります。 |
There is a book. (physical existence) |
| Yamada-san wa okane ga arimasu. 山田さんはお金があります。 |
Mr.Yamada has money. (possession) |
"Aru （ある）" is used for inanimate objects and "iru （いる）" is used for animate objects.
| Inu ga imasu. 犬がいます。 |
There is a dog. |
| Watashi wa ane ga imasu. 私は姉がいます。 |
I have an older sister. |
Both "aru" and "iru" are preceded by the particle "ga" .
The verb "motsu （持つ）" is used in the present progressive tense ("motteimasu" rather than "mochimasu"). It expresses the state of possessing or the state of being in possession of something. It is followed by the particle "o".
| Kasa o motteimasu. 傘を持っています。 |
I have un umbrella (on me). |
It cannot be used when the object which you possess is animate.
| I have a car. | Kuruma o motteimasu. 車を持っています。 |
| Kuruma ga arimasu. 車があります。 |
|
| I have an older brother. |
Ani o motteimasu. Wrong 兄を持っています。 |
| Ani ga imasu. 兄がいます。 |
Start a discussion on the Japanese Language forums
