JLPT N5+ · Experience and completion

Vてある

Describes the result of an intentional action

Meaning

Describes the result of an intentional action.

Formation

  1. て form of a transitive verb + ある — 置いてあります
  2. The object usually takes が: 本が置いてあります; を is possible when stressing preparation: 本を用意してあります

When to use it

Core use
Describes the result of an intentional action

Examples

13 sentences
  • 窓まどが開けあけてあります

    The window has been left open.

  • 明日あしたの旅行りょこうの切符きっぷは、もう買っかってあります

    The tickets for tomorrow's trip have already been bought.

  • 入口いりぐちに地図ちずが貼っはってあります

    A map has been put up at the entrance.

  • テーブルに朝ご飯あさごはんが並べならべてあります

    Breakfast has been laid out on the table.

  • 旅行りょこうの切符きっぷはもう買っかってあります

    The tickets for the trip have already been bought.

  • 黒板こくばんに明日あしたの予定よていが書いかいてあります

    Tomorrow's schedule has been written on the board.

  • お客さんおきゃくさんの部屋へやは掃除そうじしてあります

    The guest room has already been cleaned.

5 more examples
  • 寒いさむいので窓まどが閉めしめてあります

    It is cold, so the window has been closed.

  • 冷蔵庫れいぞうこに飲み物のみものが入れいれてあります

    Drinks have been put in the fridge.

  • 名前なまえはこの紙かみに書いかいてあります

    The name has been written on this paper.

  • 会議かいぎの資料しりょうは全部ぜんぶ用意よういしてあります

    All the meeting materials have been prepared.

  • 机つくえの上うえに花はなが飾っかざってあります

    Flowers have been arranged on the desk.

Important notes

  • Vてある describes a state left by someone's intentional earlier action: 窓が開けてあります (the window has been opened and left open). The thing acted upon usually takes が: 本が置いてあります.

Common mistakes

  • It needs a transitive verb: 窓が開いています only describes the state, while 窓が開けてあります says someone opened it on purpose.

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