JLPT N5 Grammar
· Beginner
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· Beginner
There is / exists (inanimate)
Category: Copula & Existence
The grammar pattern "ある" (exists) is used to express the existence of non-living things, such as objects, events, or concepts. It is often used in conjunction with a location marked by "に" and the thing that exists marked by "が". The polite form of this pattern is "あります". This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversations and is a fundamental part of the Japanese language.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Base form | S + に + が + ある | 机の上に本がある |
| Polite form | S + に + が + あります | 机の上に本があります |
| Negative form | S + に + が + ない | 机の上に本がない |
机の上に本がある
tsukue no ue ni hon ga aru
There is a book on the desk.
机 (tsukue) = desk, 上に (ue ni) = on, 本 (hon) = book, が (ga) = exists, ある (aru) = exists
教室にいすがある
kyoushitsu ni isu ga aru
There is a desk in the classroom.
教室 (kyoushitsu) = classroom, に (ni) = in, いす (isu) = desk, が (ga) = exists, ある (aru) = exists
冷蔵庫の中に牛乳がある
reizouko no naka ni gyu nyuu ga aru
There is milk in the refrigerator.
冷蔵庫 (reizouko) = refrigerator, の (no) = possessive particle, 中に (naka ni) = in, 牛乳 (gyu nyuu) = milk, が (ga) = exists, ある (aru) = exists
This pattern is used to express the existence of non-living things. It is often used in conjunction with a location marked by "に". The polite form "あります" is used when speaking to someone with higher authority or respect. This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversations and is a fundamental part of the Japanese language.
The pattern "ある" is used to express the existence of non-living things, while "いる" is used to express the existence of people or animals.
The correct order of particles is location に thing が ある. Using the wrong order can change the meaning of the sentence.
When introducing existence for the first time, the particle "が" is used instead of "は".
When using this pattern on the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct particles and verb forms. Pay attention to the location marked by "に" and the thing that exists marked by "が". Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with other similar patterns.
机の上に本______あります。
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