〜たことがある: have done before is a JLPT N4 grammar point. Talks about past experience: “I have (once) done…”. Structure: [Verbe-た] + ことがある. This page explains the construction, gives Japanese examples with furigana readings, and links to related grammar points at this level.

〜たことがある: have done before

Structure

[Verbe-た] + ことがある

Explanation

Use the plain past (た-form) + ことがある to say you have experienced something at least once. It is about experience, not a single recent action: for “I ate just now”, use the plain past alone.

Examples

I have been to Japan.

Have you ever eaten sushi?

Quiz preview

  • が ✓

~たことがある states past experience: “I have been to Japan.”

  • こと ✓
  • とき
  • もの

〜た ことが ある asks about a past experience: “Have you ever been in a Japanese hot spring?”

More N4 grammar points

Potential form (“can do”)〜なければならない: must / have to〜ながら: while doing〜たら: if / when〜てもいい: permission〜かもしれない: maybe〜てはいけない: must not〜と思います: I think that…〜つもりです: to intend to〜たり〜たりする: doing things like…〜てしまう: completely / regrettably

See all N4 points →