N4 Perception & Transitive
~てある: meaning, usage and examples
~てある means: the state after having done something with a particular purpose.
How to form it
＜Noun＞ + が + ＜Transitive verb て-form＞ + ある (e.g. 書いてある, 予約してある)
Examples
壁に写真が貼ってあります。
Photos are posted on the wall.
テーブルの上に料理が並べてあります。
Dishes are arranged on the table.
冷蔵庫にジュースが冷やしてあります。
There is some juice chilling in the fridge.
ホテルはもう予約してあります。
The hotel is already booked.
When to use it
てある describes a state that exists because someone did something on purpose, usually as preparation: 壁に写真が貼ってあります (photos have been put up on the wall). The person who did it is not important and is often not mentioned. It is also common for things already prepared: ホテルはもう予約してあります.
Nuance
Neutral. Only transitive verbs are used. The feeling is "someone did this deliberately, and the result is still there", often for a purpose. The thing usually takes が, though は and を also appear: ホテルは予約してあります.
Compare
[Intransitive] ている describes a state with no focus on a person: 窓が開いています (the window is open). てある shows someone opened it on purpose: 窓が開けてあります. [Transitive] ている is an action going on: 窓を開けています. ておく is the action of preparing: 予約しておきます.
Tip: Use a transitive verb only: 電気がつけてあります (correct), not 電気がついてあります. If you want "the light is on" with no one involved, use ついています.
More in Perception & Transitive
- 見える/聞こえる: 見える: can be seen, be visible; 聞こえる: can be heard, be audible (without trying)
- 自動詞/他動詞: Intransitive / Transitive Verb
- ~てしまう: completion; regret or an unintended result
- [Intransitive Verb]ている: the circumstance of remaining effects
Frequently asked questions
What does ~てある mean?
The state after having done something with a particular purpose. Example: 壁に写真が貼ってあります。 (Photos are posted on the wall.)
How do you form ~てある?
＜Noun＞ + が + ＜Transitive verb て-form＞ + ある (e.g. 書いてある, 予約してある). Use a transitive verb only: 電気がつけてあります (correct), not 電気がついてあります. If you want "the light is on" with no one involved, use ついています.