あり | Grammar

Structure

[noun] + は + あり(だ/です) [verb (plain)] + の + は + あり(だ/です) [noun] + あり

Description

あり, from the verb ある, has two jobs. In casual speech it is a verdict: "that works", "that's an option", and it takes だ or です like a noun. In listings and notices it follows a noun and means "with", "available".

。

I think that could work.

。

Travelling on a weekday is an option too, isn't it?

、きごう？

This design works, doesn't it?

あり or なし

The opposite verdict is なし, "no go". The two often come as a pair: "yes or no?"

きごう？きごう？

Ice cream in winter – yes or no?

、。

As a friend he's fine, but as a boyfriend, probably not.

。

No being late, OK?

The verdict is slang. In polite or business speech, say いいとおもいます思います or かのう可能です instead.

"With" in listings

After a noun, あり says something is there or included. You see it in job ads, property listings and hotel plans, and it is neutral in register. なし is "without".

。

We are looking for people with experience.

。

This flat has parking and the rent is low.

。

I chose the plan without breakfast.

On a price, そうりょう送料あり means shipping is charged, and そうりょう送料なし or そうりょうむりょう送料無料 means it is free.

Examples

きごう？。

Sweet and sour pork with pineapple? That's totally fine by me.

きごう？

Is karaoke acceptable for a first date?

、。

I think that plan is a possibility, but let's ask everyone.

、、。

If I had to say whether that shop's ramen is good or not, I'd say it's good.

。

Traveling on a weekday is also an option, right?

。

This apartment has parking and the rent is cheap.

。

We are looking for someone with experience.

、。

Splitting the bill between us is fine, but treating you is a no-go.

きごう？きごう？

Is ice cream in winter a yes or a no?

。

I booked a hotel with breakfast included.

、。

As a boyfriend he's a no, but as a friend he might be okay.

。

This plan includes breakfast and costs 8,000 yen a night.

References

ありBunpro