あり
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
existence or presence of something
to have; possess
there is/are; there exists
with; having
Usage
Noun + あり
Verb (dictionary form) past + あり
Adj/Na-adj + あり
Explanation
あり is the continuative (renyoukei) form of ある, used to connect phrases in written or formal contexts. It marks existence or presence when placed after a noun (有り/あり), similar to saying 'there is/are' or 'there exists' in English. It also appears in fixed, concise notes or labels (e.g., signs, bullet lists) to indicate that something exists or applies. In many everyday situations, あり can sound blunt or clinical, so speakers often use ある in more natural conversation, especially with animate subjects or when speaking casually. When used with adjectives or verbs, あり helps create a compact, descriptive statement about the current state or possession of something.
この部屋には窓あり。
このへやにはまどあり。
There is a window in this room.
この本には誤植あり。
このほんにはごしょくあり。
There are misprints in this book.
彼には十分な資源あり。
かれにはじゅうぶんなしげんあり。
He has sufficient resources.