Introduction

The grammar pattern ta koto ga aru is a very important JLPT N4 grammar used to talk about past experiences. This pattern is used when you want to say that you have done something before at least once in your life. It appears very frequently in JLPT N4 listening, reading, and conversation questions. Learners must clearly understand that ta koto ga aru is not used to talk about a specific time, but about experience.

This article explains ta koto ga aru clearly in simple English for Japanese learners. All Japanese examples are written only in hiragana and katakana, with no kanji.

Grammar Structure Explained

verb in ta form + koto ga aru

This grammar is used when the speaker wants to express life experience. The verb must always be in ta form before adding koto ga aru.

Meaning in English

Ta koto ga aru means "have done something before" or "have experienced something". The exact time is not important.

When to Use This Grammar

You use ta koto ga aru in the following situations. When talking about life experiences. When asking someone if they have experienced something. When answering questions about past experiences. When talking generally about things you have done before.

Examples

nihon ni itta koto ga aru。 i have been to japan before.
sushi o tabeta koto ga aru。 i have eaten sushi before.
hikouki ni notta koto ga aru。 i have ridden an airplane before.
nihongo o benkyou shita koto ga aru。 i have studied japanese before.
yuki o mita koto ga aru。 i have seen snow before.

Negative Form

To say you have never done something, use nai form.

verb nai form + koto ga nai

Example. nihon ni itta koto ga nai。 i have never been to japan.

Important Grammar Notes

Ta koto ga aru does not describe one specific event. It describes experience. You should not use specific time words like yesterday or last year with this grammar.

Correct understanding. nihon ni itta koto ga aru means you have been to japan before, not when.

Common Mistakes by Learners

Using masu form instead of ta form. Using time expressions with ta koto ga aru. Confusing this grammar with simple ta form.

JLPT N4 Exam Point

In JLPT N4, ta koto ga aru appears very often in listening questions about experience and in reading passages such as self-introductions, interviews, and short conversations. Many questions test whether learners understand the experience meaning correctly.

Short Practice

Change the verb into ta form and make an experience sentence. Example: miru → mita koto ga aru

Practice verbs. iku taberu nomu benkyou suru

Summary

Ta koto ga aru is a core JLPT N4 grammar pattern used to talk about past experience. The verb must be in ta form. This grammar appears frequently in JLPT N4 listening and reading sections. Mastering ta koto ga aru will greatly improve your ability to talk about experiences in Japanese.

JLPT N4 Grammar ta koto ga aru Explained | Talking About Experience in Japanese