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
てこずる
てこずる (tekozuru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "have" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あります and てこずる.
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, てこずる (てこずる (tekozuru)) maps to "to have a hard time with; to be a handful; to be baffled by; to be perplexed by" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To struggle with something difficult or a troublesome person/situation. Implies difficulty in handling, managing, or solving a problem.. 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 "てこずる"
いたずら盛りの子供の相手にはてこずる。
Dealing with a mischievous child is a handful.
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.". "てこずる" represents "to have a hard time with; to be a handful; to be baffled by; to be perplexed by".