JLPT N5 grammar

〜てあるmeaning and usage

Meaning

～てある describes a state left by someone's intentional action, often something done in preparation.

How to form it

  • nounがverb (te-form)ある

How it is used

Used with transitive verbs: someone did it on purpose and the result remains, often as preparation. Compare 「窓が開けてある」 (someone has left the window open) with 「窓が開いている」 (the window is open).

Examples

  1. 住所が葉書に書いてあるので、 忘れないようにメモしておいて。

    The address is written on the postcard, so jot it down so you don't forget.

  2. 飲み物は冷蔵庫に入れてあります。

    The drinks have been put in the fridge.

  3. テーブルにもうお皿が並べてあります。

    The plates are already set out on the table.

About the example In 書いてある, てある says that someone wrote the address and it remains written on the postcard.