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
手を焼く
てをやく (tewoyaku)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "have" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あります and 手を焼く.
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, 手を焼く (てをやく (tewoyaku)) maps to "to have a hard time with" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. 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 "手を焼く"
毎日、日本語を練習するために手を焼く。
Every day, I have a hard time with to practice Japanese.
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.". "手を焼く" represents "to have a hard time with".