〜たことがあります
have done before
Say whether something has ever happened in your life.
Remember it
Look back at your experience and use 〜たことがあります.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜たことがあります」 means "have done before". Structure: Verb ta-form + ことがあります. This is a JLPT N5 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Useful in introductions, interviews, travel stories, and getting to know someone.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1会社に行ったことがあります。
かいしゃにいったことがあります。
kaishaniittakotogaarimasu.
I have been to the company before.
Everyday life
Example 2銀行に行ったことがあります。
ぎんこうにいったことがあります。
ginkouniittakotogaarimasu.
I have been to the bank before.
Everyday life
Example 3公園に行ったことがあります。
こうえんにいったことがあります。
kouenniittakotogaarimasu.
I have been to the park before.
Everyday life
Example 4町に行ったことがあります。
まちにいったことがあります。
machiniittakotogaarimasu.
I have been to the town before.
Everyday life
Example 5レストランに行ったことがあります。
れすとらんにいったことがあります。
resutoranniittakotogaarimasu.
I have been to the restaurant before.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I have been to the company before.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜たことがあります.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.