Japanese grammar
What does ～があります／～がいます mean? Japanese grammar N5
～があります／～がいます means there is/are ~ (existence).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | (場所) に N が あります (場所) に N が います |
| Romaji | ~ ga arimasu / ~ ga imasu |
| Meaning | there is/are ~ (existence) |
How to use it
Expresses the existence of an object or a person.
- あります is used for INANIMATE OBJECTS (books, desks, money) and also plants.
- います is used for PEOPLE and ANIMALS (things capable of moving on their own).
- The place uses に. The existing thing/person uses が.
- A tricky exception: a parked vehicle uses あります, but when treated as something moving, います can be used.
Examples
机の上に本があります。
There is a book on the desk.
教室に学生がいます。
There are students in the classroom.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong教室に学生があります。
There are students in the classroom.
Correct教室に学生がいます。
People/animals use います, not あります.
-
Wrong机の上で本があります。
There is a book on the desk.
Correct机の上に本があります。
The place of EXISTENCE uses に (not で — で marks where an action takes place).
Exam tips
- Exams love testing あります/います and に/で together — study this pair well.