Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
~ものがある (〜mono ga aru)

~ものがある (〜mono ga aru)

Short explanation:

Express a feeling that something should be done or is expected; 'there is a need', 'there is a tendency'.

Formation:

Verb-casual + ものがある, い-Adjective + ことがある

Examples:

彼はいつも遅刻するものがある。
Kare wa itsumo chikoku suru mono ga aru.
He has a tendency to be late all the time.
もっと勉強すべきものがある。
Motto benkyou subeki mono ga aru.
There is a need to study more.
この料理はおいしいと思うものがある。
Kono ryouri wa oishii to omou mono ga aru.
There is a feeling that this dish is delicious.
彼女はいつも助けてくれるものがある。
Kanojo wa itsumo tasukete kureru mono ga aru.
She has a tendency to help me all the time.

Long explanation:

The ~ものがある grammar point is used to express a feeling that something should be done or is expected given a certain situation. It can be translated as 'there is a need' or 'there is a tendency' in English. It is mostly used with verbs in the form of verb-casual and い-adjectives.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~ものがある (〜mono ga aru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ~ものがある (〜mono ga aru)

~ものがある (〜mono ga aru)

1. Introduction

The expression ~ものがある is used in Japanese to convey that something has a certain quality or aspect that deeply affects the speaker. It emphasizes a strong feeling or impression about an event, action, or state.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

  • Expresses a strong feeling or impression about something.
  • Conveys that "there is something about..." which elicits a particular emotion or reaction.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb (dictionary form)] + ものがある
[い-adjective (plain form)] + ものがある

Components

  • Verb (dictionary form): The plain form of a verb.
  • い-adjective (plain form): The standard form of an い-adjective.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

~感じがする (〜kanji ga suru)

  • ~ものがある: Emphasizes a strong, often subjective impression about something.
    • Example: この映画には考えさせられるものがある。
      • "There is something about this movie that makes me think."
  • ~感じがする: Describes a general feeling or sensation.
    • Example: この映画は面白い感じがする。
      • "I have a feeling that this movie is interesting." Key Difference: ~ものがある is more emphatic and expresses a deeper impression than ~感じがする.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. 彼の話には不思議なものがある。
    • Kare no hanashi ni wa fushigi na mono ga aru.
    • "There is something mysterious about his story."
  2. この町の風景にはどこか懐かしいものがある。
    • Kono machi no fūkei ni wa dokoka natsukashii mono ga aru.
    • "There is something nostalgic about the scenery of this town."
  3. 彼女の歌声には心に響くものがある。
    • Kanojo no utagoe ni wa kokoro ni hibiku mono ga aru.
    • "There is something about her singing voice that resonates with the heart."
  4. 彼の態度には納得できないものがある。
    • Kare no taido ni wa nattoku dekinai mono ga aru.
    • "There is something unacceptable about his attitude."
  5. この作品には感動的なものがある。
    • Kono sakuhin ni wa kandōteki na mono ga aru.
    • "There is something moving about this work."

Context Variations

  • Formal Written Context
    • その決定には疑問を抱かざるを得ないものがある。
      • Sono kettei ni wa gimon o idakazaru o enai mono ga aru.
      • "There is something about that decision that forces me to harbor doubts."
  • Informal Spoken Context
    • 今日の試合、なんか盛り上がるものがあったね。
      • Kyō no shiai, nanka moriagaru mono ga atta ne.
      • "There was something exciting about today's game, wasn't there?"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Expressing Subjectivity: The use of ~ものがある reflects the Japanese tendency to express feelings in a nuanced and indirect manner.
  • Levels of Politeness: This expression can be used in both formal and informal settings, but it's particularly common in written language, essays, and formal speeches.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 心に響くものがある
    • Kokoro ni hibiku mono ga aru
    • "There is something that resonates with the heart."
  • 考えさせられるものがある
    • Kangaesaserareru mono ga aru
    • "There is something thought-provoking."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect Structure Usage
    • Mistake: 彼は優しいものがある。
      • Kare wa yasashii mono ga aru.
      • This is incorrect because ~ものがある is used to express a strong impression about something, not to state a fact.
    • Correction: 彼の言葉には優しいものがある。
      • Kare no kotoba ni wa yasashii mono ga aru.
      • "There is something gentle about his words."

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device
    • Think of ものがある as "there is a certain thing about..." to remember that it's used to express a particular quality that stands out.
  • Practice Makes Perfect
    • Create your own sentences by identifying things that leave a strong impression on you and describe them using ~ものがある.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~ものがある is used to express a strong feeling or impression about something.
  • It is formed by attaching ものがある to the dictionary form of verbs or plain form of い-adjectives.
  • The expression highlights a particular quality that affects the speaker deeply.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ~ものがある express in a sentence?
    • Answer: It expresses that something has a certain quality or aspect that leaves a strong impression on the speaker.
  2. How do you form a sentence using ~ものがある?
    • Answer: Attach ものがある to the plain form of a verb or an い-adjective.
  3. Translate the following sentence:
    • この本には学ぶべきものがある。
    • Answer: "There is something about this book that we should learn from."

By understanding and practicing ~ものがある, you can express deep impressions and nuanced feelings, enriching your Japanese communication skills.

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