something has been done (and remains)

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates a preparatory action has been completed.

[Transitive verb te-form] + ある

窓が開けてあります。

Mado ga akete arimasu.

The window has been opened (and is still open).

テーブルの上に本が置いてある。

Teeburu no ue ni hon ga oite aru.

A book has been placed on the table.

Only use with transitive verbs. Particle is usually が, not を.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Focus on the resulting state, not the action.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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