Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 6: 11/16

~てあるSomething is done, Has been done, Remaining state

Only used with transitive verbs!

Structure

(Transitive) Verb[て]+ ある

Details

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    Standard

  • Rare Kanji

    有る

About てある

Like 'verb + ている', 'verb + てある ' is a structure that will convey an ongoing state. However, that is where the similarities stop. てある may only be used with transitive verbs, and highlights the object itself as being the subject of the sentence (rather than the initial person/thing that performed the action).

Because ある is being used, it highlights the object as being inanimate (or unable to undo the action that was performed on it). Due to this, てある is regularly translated as 'to be left (A)', or 'to remain (A)', where (A) is the original verb that somebody performed on the object.

may mark the object in these sentences when the action itself involves some kind of preparation. Examples are as follows:

予約(よやく) - Reservation (requires time investment to reserve).

準備(じゅんび) - Preparation (requires time investment to prepare).

録音(ろくおん) - Recording (requires time investment to make the recording).

In situations that involve no real preparation (opening a door, for example), will be preferred when marking the object.

Examples

--:--

    このドア()けてある

    This door has been left open.

    テレビ(だい)(うえ)()いてある

    It has been placed on top of the TV stand.

    明日(あした)準備(じゅんび)してあるんです

    Have tomorrow's preparations been done?

    明日(あした)準備(じゅんび)してあるのでもう()ます

    I have done my preparation for tomorrow so I am going to bed.

    1000(せん)(ねん)(まえ)()てられたビルまだ(のこ)してある

    The building that was built 1000 years ago is still standing.

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てある – Grammar Discussion