Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Have" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "have", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あります
あります (arimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
たしなむ
たしなむ (tashinamu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "have" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あります and たしなむ.
In Japanese, あります (あります (arimasu)) is typically associated with "to have, to exist (inanimate objects)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of ある. Used for the existence or possession of inanimate objects..
On the other hand, たしなむ (たしなむ (tashinamu)) maps to "to have a taste for; to be refined; to have a hobby; to have good manners" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for elegant or cultural hobbies. A literal translation of "have" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あります"
机の上に本があります。
There is a book on the desk.
Bilingual Context for "たしなむ"
彼女はお茶をたしなむ。
She has a taste for tea ceremony.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "机の上に本が ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "There is a book on the desk.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あります" fits here because it means "to have, to exist (inanimate objects)" in the context of: "There is a book on the desk.". "たしなむ" represents "to have a taste for; to be refined; to have a hobby; to have good manners".