有

JLPT N4

Exist, have

Readings

On’yomi: ユウ, ウ (yuu, u)

Kun’yomi: あ(る) (a(ru))

• あ・る (a・ru) – to exist, to have

Structure

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Composition: Purchase the course for full access of this content.

Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

有名

ゆうめい

famous

有料

ゆうりょう

paid

所有

しょゆう

ownership

有効

ゆうこう

effective

有利

ゆうり

advantageous

Example Sentences

有名な町です。

ゆうめいなまちです。

It is a famous town.

このサービスは有料です。

このさーびすはゆうりょうです。

This service is paid.

土地を所有しています。

とちをしょゆうしています。

I own land.

有効な方法です。

ゆうこうなほうほうです。

It is an effective method.

有利な条件です。

ゆうりなじょうけんです。

It is an advantageous condition.

Cultural Note

💮 The contrast between 有 (having) and 無 (not having) is a deep philosophical and cultural theme in Japan.
• In Zen Buddhism, 有 (existence) and 無 (non-existence) represent the dual nature of reality — things “exist” only in relation to “nothingness.”
• Everyday life also reflects this contrast:
o 有名 (famous) vs 無名 (unknown)
o 有料 (paid) vs 無料 (free)
The idea teaches balance — to value what you have (有) while accepting impermanence (無).*