Processing keyword: Verb て ある (Verb-te aru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb て ある (Verb-te aru)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the Japanese grammar point Verb てある (Verb-te aru). This construction is commonly used to describe situations where a certain state has been intentionally brought about by someone for a particular purpose. Understanding てある will enhance your ability to describe actions that have been performed and the resultant states that remain.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Verb てある is used to indicate that:

• An action has been completed intentionally by someone, and
• The result of that action remains in a certain state. It emphasizes the resultant state of an intentional action performed by someone, often implying that the action was done for a specific purpose.

Structure

The basic structure is:

[Object] が / は + Transitive Verb (て-form) + ある

• [Object] が / は: The object upon which the action has been performed.
• Transitive Verb (て-form): The action that has been completed intentionally.
• ある: Indicates the existence of the resultant state.

Formation Diagram

Component	Example
Object	ドアが (doa ga)
Transitive Verb (て-form)	閉めて (shimete)
ある	ある (aru)
Complete Sentence	ドアが閉めてある。
Translation	The door has been closed.

Breakdown

1. ドアが (doa ga) - "The door"
2. 閉めて (shimete) - "closed" (て-form of 閉める)
3. ある (aru) - "exists/is" Combined, they express that the door has been intentionally closed by someone, and it remains in that state.

Visual Aid: Usage Chart

Usage	Example Sentence	Translation
Intentional action result	窓が開けてある。	The window has been opened (by someone).
Preparation for something	お茶が準備してあります。	Tea has been prepared (by someone).
State due to an action	地図が壁に貼ってある。	A map has been posted on the wall.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Verb ている vs. Verb てある

While both ている and てある can describe states, they have different nuances.

• Verb ている (Verb-te iru):
  • Describes a state resulting from an action, without emphasis on who performed it.
  • Can be used with both transitive and intransitive verbs.
  • Example:
    • ドアが開いている。
      • The door is open. (State)
• Verb てある (Verb-te aru):
  • Emphasizes that someone intentionally performed an action and the result remains.
  • Used only with transitive verbs.
  • Example:
    • ドアが開けてある。
      • The door has been opened (by someone). (Intentional action and result)

Key Differences

Aspect	ている	てある
Verb Type	Transitive & Intransitive	Transitive only
Emphasis	State or ongoing action	Result of an intentional action
Performer Emphasized	Often unspecified	Action done by someone
Example	雨が降っている。(It's raining.)	準備がしてある。(Preparations are done.)

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 黒板に予定が書いてあります。
   • The schedule has been written on the blackboard.
2. テーブルに花が飾ってある。
   • Flowers have been arranged on the table.
3. 窓が閉めてあります。
   • The windows have been closed.
4. 資料がコピーしてあります。
   • The materials have been photocopied.
5. 部屋に荷物が置いてあります。
   • Luggage has been placed in the room.

Formal and Informal Contexts

• Formal (丁寧語):
  • 会議室が予約してあります。
    • The meeting room has been reserved.
• Informal (普通体):
  • パーティーのために料理を作ってあるよ。
    • I've prepared food for the party.

Spoken vs. Written Language

• Spoken:
  • もうチケットが買ってあるから安心して。
    • Relax, I've already bought the tickets.
• Written (e.g., notices):
  • この部屋はきれいに掃除してあります。
    • This room has been cleaned thoroughly.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, being considerate and prepared is highly valued. Using てある often implies that actions have been taken to facilitate smooth interactions or events.

• Example:
  • お客様のために、お茶が用意してあります。
    • Tea has been prepared for the guests.

Politeness and Formality

The level of politeness can be adjusted by changing the verb endings:

• Polite Form:
  • ～てあります (Te arimasu)
    • 報告書が作成してあります。
      • The report has been prepared.
• Casual Form:
  • ～てある (Te aru)
    • レポートが書いてある。
      • I've written the report.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 仕上がっている vs. 仕上げてある:
  • 仕上がっている: It is finished/completed. (state)
  • 仕上げてある: It has been completed (by someone). (intentional action and result)

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using Intransitive Verbs with てある
   • Incorrect:
     • 電気が消えてある。
       • (Using intransitive verb 消える)
   • Correct:
     • 電気が消してある。
       • The light has been turned off.
   • Tip: Use transitive verbs with てある to indicate an intentional action by someone.
2. Confusing ている and てある
   • Incorrect Use of ている:
     • 準備がしている。
       • Preparations are doing.
   • Correct Use of てある:
     • 準備がしてある。
       • Preparations have been made.
   • Tip: Remember that てある is for the result of an action done by someone, whereas ている can indicate a state or ongoing action.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • "Te-aru is about the action that's 'there'"
    • Think of てある as the action that has been done and is "there" (exists) as a result.
• Practice Transitive Verbs:
  • Make a list of common transitive verbs and practice forming sentences using てある.
• Visual Associations:
  • Visualize the action and its result remaining. For example, picture a door that someone has closed, and it remains closed.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb てある is used with transitive verbs to indicate that someone has intentionally performed an action and the result remains.
• It emphasizes the resultant state due to an intentional action.
• The object affected by the action is marked with が or は.
• てある is different from ている; it implies intentionality and the action being completed by someone.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: Which type of verbs are used with てある?
   • a) Intransitive verbs
   • b) Transitive verbs
2. Question: What is the main difference between ている and てある?
3. Question: Translate the following sentence:
   • 冷蔵庫にジュースが入れてあります。

Answers

1. b) Transitive verbs
2. Answer: ている can describe a state or ongoing action and doesn't necessarily emphasize who performed the action. てある emphasizes that someone intentionally performed the action, and the result remains.
3. Translation: Juice has been put in the refrigerator.

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By understanding and using Verb てある, you can more accurately describe situations where someone has performed an action intentionally, and the resultant state is important to the context.

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