Nihoner
ものがある
N2 GRAMMAR ⏱ 0s study 📖 0 today
mono ga aru
there is such a thing; to be the case
Next →
🃏 Flashcard
ものがある
mono ga aru
Tap to reveal usage
there is such a thing; to be the case
N2
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading mono ga aru
Post ID 51066
Patterns today 0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes

there is such a thing; to be the case

📖 How to use it

Expresses that there is something (a quality, feeling, or situation) inherent in the topic, often with a nuance of being moved or impressed.

Attaches to Attaches to the dictionary form of a verb (e.g., 感じさせる) or the plain form of an adjective (e.g., 寂しい). Also attaches to a noun + が (e.g., 可能性がある) but the pattern here is specifically ものがある, so it follows a clause ending in a dictionary/plain form.

This pattern adds a sense of 'there is something worth noting' or 'I feel that...' about a person, thing, or situation. It's often used when you are struck by a quality or emotion. For example, seeing a beautiful sunset might make you say 'there is something moving about it.' It is not used for simple facts; it carries a subjective, often appreciative or emotional tone.

In terms of grammar, you take a sentence that describes the subject (e.g., '彼の話は人を感動させる') and attach ものがある to the end: 彼の話は人を感動させるものがある. This turns it into 'His story has something that moves people.' The subject is often a topic marked with は, and the clause before ものがある is nominalized conceptually.

This is a written and somewhat formal pattern, but you might hear it in speeches or thoughtful conversation. It is not casual slang. When speaking, you might use it to express a deep impression, but be aware it can sound a bit literary.

彼の絵には人を引きつけるものがある。
Kare no e ni wa hito o hikitsukeru mono ga aru.
His paintings have something that draws people in.
この町の風景にはどこか懐かしいものがある。
Kono machi no fuukei ni wa dokoka natsukashii mono ga aru.
The scenery of this town has something nostalgic about it.
彼女の話し方には心を打つものがある。
Kanojo no hanashikata ni wa kokoro o utsu mono ga aru.
Her way of speaking has something that strikes the heart.
Not ことがある ことがある means 'there are times when' (e.g., 忘れることがある = sometimes I forget). ものがある expresses inherent quality or emotion, not frequency.
Register Somewhat formal and literary; used in writing, speeches, or thoughtful conversation, but less common in everyday casual speech.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
ものがある
📚 How to Master This Pattern
🔊
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat ものがある three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
🃏
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
✍️
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using ものがある. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
⏰
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern ものがある mean? ▼
There is such a thing; to be the case
What JLPT level is ものがある? ▼
Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use ものがある in a sentence? ▼
Attach ものがある (mono ga aru) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is ものがある formal or casual Japanese? ▼
ものがある is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember ものがある long-term? ▼
Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.