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
嗜む
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 嗜む.
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, 嗜む (たしなむ (tashinamu)) maps to "to have a taste for; to be refined; to indulge in (moderately)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for hobbies or refined activities. 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 "嗜む"
彼女はお茶を嗜む程度です。
She merely has a taste for tea (enjoys it moderately).
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.". "嗜む" represents "to have a taste for; to be refined; to indulge in (moderately)".