Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
What counts as experience
〜たことがある means “have done before” or “have ever done.” It describes experience at some point up to now, not a single completed event with a clear time focus.
Target signal
京都へ行ったことがあります。
I have been to Kyoto before.
Plain past + ことがある means past experience.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
- たこ
- kite
Compare in context
馬に乗ったことがありません。
I have never ridden a horse.
Negative experience is often ことがありません in polite speech.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
- たこ
- kite
Section 2 of 3
Positive and negative patterns
Use the plain past form before ことがある. For negative experience, use ことがない. This pattern appears often in introductions, travel talk, and interview questions.
Target signal
一人で飛行機に乗ったことがある。
I have flown on an airplane alone before.
The action happened at least once before now.
Vocabulary notes
- たことがある
- to have done ... before
- 一人で
- alone; by oneself
- 飛行機
- airplane
Preview
納豆を食べたことがない。
I have never eaten natto.
ことがない means 'have never done'.
Vocabulary notes
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
- たこ
- kite
- ない
- not; there is not
Section 3 of 3
Reading experience questions
When you read 〜たことがあるか, the speaker is asking about experience up to now. Context tells you whether they want a simple yes/no answer or a longer story.
Target signal
富士山に登ったことがありますか。
Have you ever climbed Mt. Fuji?
Question form asks about life experience up to now.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
- たこ
- kite
Preview
子どものころ、この町に住んでいたことがある。
I once lived in this town when I was a child.
住んでいたことがある describes prior experience of living there.
Vocabulary notes
- たことがある
- to have done ... before
- 子ども
- child; children
- ある
- there is not; do not have