# てある: has been done; resulting state > Learn how to use てある, a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar point meaning has been done; resulting state, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N5 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n5-te-aru/ **てある** means **has been done; resulting state**. It is a **JLPT N5** Japanese grammar pattern used to describe a state resulting from someone’s intentional action. This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to describe a state resulting from someone’s intentional action, **てある** is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences. ## What does てある mean? Use **てある** when you want to describe a state resulting from someone’s intentional action. Natural translations include: - has been done - resulting state - has been done; resulting state The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural. ## How to form てある
Transitive verb て-form + ある
Examples of the pattern: - 書かいてある - 開あけてある - 置おいてある Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form. ## When is てある used? Use **てある** in situations like: - prepared objects - written information - intentional arrangements Tone and register: - neutral - Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions ## てある example sentences
ドアが開あけてあります。
The door has been opened.
state
机つくえの上うえに本ほんが置おいてあります。
A book has been placed on the desk.
preparation
紙かみに名前なまえが書かいてあります。
A name is written on the paper.
written
部屋へやが掃除そうじしてあります。
The room has been cleaned.
state
ホテルを予約よやくしてあります。
The hotel has been reserved.
preparation
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, comparison, or obligation. ## Nuance of てある The key nuance is **someone did the action, and the result remains**. This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For **てある**, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context. For example: - In conversation, it helps the listener understand someone did the action, and the result remains. - Compared with **ている**, it has a different job even when the English translation looks close. ## てある vs ている Both **てある** and **ている** can express related ideas, but they are different.
てある
often implies intentional preparation; uses transitive verbs
名前なまえが書かいてあります。
The name has been written there.
vs
ている
can describe ongoing action or state; does not necessarily imply preparation
名前なまえを書かいています。
Someone is writing the name.
If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, compare two things, or express obligation. ## Common mistakes with てある
❌
Using intransitive verbs where ている is better
✅
Use ている for intransitive verbs or natural states
❌
Forgetting the preparation nuance
✅
Remember that てある implies intentional preparation
❌
Confusing it with progressive ている
✅
Use ている for actions in progress, てある for resulting states
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel. ## Is てある on the JLPT?
N5

Yes. てある is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.

  • recognize it in reading
  • understand its nuance in context
  • use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.

## Practice questions for てある Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
1
Say the name is written on the paper.
production
2
Say the room has been cleaned.
production
3
Say a hotel has been reserved.
production
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic. ## Learning path for てある
1
Start by deciding whether the sentence describes identity, existence, adjective quality, change, or a continuing state.
2
Compare affirmative, negative, and past forms so you can see what changes and what stays stable.
3
Write one short sentence with てある, then compare it with な-adjectives to see another way to describe state.
4
Add ている or まだ to see how the basic meaning changes when you layer related grammar.
5
For practice, keep the sentence short: write one example with てある, one with a different subject or time word, and one that contrasts it with a related pattern.
## Related grammar to review next - [な-adjectives](/blog/n5-na-adjectives/) — reviews another way to describe identity, existence, adjective quality, or state. - [ている](/blog/n5-te-iru/) — reviews another way to describe identity, existence, adjective quality, or state. - [まだ](/blog/n5-mada/) — contrasts with this pattern from the time, sequence, and experience grammar group. - [もう](/blog/n5-mou/) — contrasts with this pattern from the time, sequence, and experience grammar group. ## Learn てある with Hane If you want to review **てある** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N5 grammar lessons](/blog/n5/)