JLPT N5 reference · Existence, time and quantity
あります and います
あります expresses the existence of inanimate things; います is used for people and animals. Both also appear in location patterns.
Core meaning and form
To introduce something, mark it with が. To state where a known thing is, make it the topic with は and mark the location with に.
- place に thing が あります / います.
- thing は place に あります / います.
- ありません / いません for polite negation.
Examples in context
机の上に本があります。Tsukue no ue ni hon ga arimasu.There is a book on the desk.
先生は教室にいます。Sensei wa kyōshitsu ni imasu.The teacher is in the classroom.
公園に子どもがいません。Kōen ni kodomo ga imasen.There are no children in the park.
Common errors
- Do not use あります for people or animals in ordinary existence statements.
- Use に, not で, for the place of existence.
Quick summary
- あります is normally inanimate.
- います is for people and animals.
- が introduces existence; は locates a known topic.