Search pages and navigate
There is / exists (inanimate)
Definition
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.
Structure
| 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 |
Examples
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
Context
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.
Watch out
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".
Strategy
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.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows がある used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
机の上に本があります。
Pattern used: が
The thing that exists (本) is marked with が in the existence pattern [location]に[thing]がある. は would imply the book is already an established topic.
教室にいすがあります。
Pattern used: があります
いす (chair) is inanimate, so があります is correct. がいます is for living things. を and に cannot replace が in this pattern.
冷蔵庫の中に牛乳があります。
Pattern used: があります
牛乳 (milk) is inanimate, so があります expresses its existence in the fridge. がいます would be for living things. です identifies but doesn't express existence in a location.
Interactive
机の上に本______あります。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.