てある

has been done, is still, remaining state

Build a strong foundation of Japanese with a high-frequency grammar and real-world phrases.

てある is a versatile Japanese grammatical structure used to describe a state that has been intentionally created and remains in effect or visible in the present. This expression emphasizes the purposeful nature of the original action, focusing on its resulting state rather than the action itself.

Formed by attaching ある (to exist) to the て-form of a transitive verb, てある highlights the visible outcome of intentional actions. It is commonly used to describe preparations, arrangements, or conditions that remain relevant. By emphasizing intentionality, it reflects cultural values of readiness and consideration, making it a key tool for expressing care and mindfulness in Japanese communication.

Structure

Verb［て］+ ある

Verb［て］+ あります (polite)

Level

Key uses

1. Indicating a prepared state for future use

てある is commonly used to describe something that has been set up or prepared for a future purpose. This is useful for discussing arrangements, plans, or actions done in advance.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use emphasizes preparation or readiness, making it ideal for talking about proactive actions done to make something available or convenient later. It’s commonly used in daily routines or instructions.

2. Emphasizing intentional actions with visible results

This structure highlights actions that were intentionally done, with the resulting state still observable. It’s useful for describing things that were purposefully done and can still be seen or felt.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use focuses on deliberate actions and their outcomes, helping the speaker draw attention to the visible or practical results of those actions. It’s especially effective in highlighting intentionality.

3. Focusing on the current state rather than the action

てある emphasizes the current condition resulting from an action rather than the action itself. This is especially useful when the state of something is more important than who performed the action.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use shifts attention to the state or condition, rather than who performed the action, making it great for practical observations or instructions. It’s a subtle way to communicate preparation or readiness without focusing on agency.

4. Using with transitive verbs only

てある is only compatible with transitive verbs, as it implies a person’s intentional action. This distinguishes it from other expressions of state, which can apply to natural occurrences or intransitive verbs.

[ Additional Insight ]

This distinction reinforces that てある expresses deliberate actions. It’s crucial to ensure the verb is transitive, as this emphasizes that someone performed the action intentionally, resulting in the current state.

Comparisons

1. ている

ている is used to describe an ongoing or continuous action or state but does not imply intentionality. In contrast, てある emphasizes that someone intentionally created the state, and it remains for a purpose. Use ている for natural or incidental states and てある to highlight deliberate actions and their results.

2. ておく

ておく emphasizes the act of preparation itself for a future purpose, while てある highlights the resulting state after the action has been completed. Use ておく to describe the preparatory process and てある to point out the current result of that process.