When learning Japanese, one of the first grammar points students encounter is the difference between あります and います. Both verbs mean “to exist” “there is/are” or “to have,” but they are used in different contexts. Understanding their differences is essential for speaking Japanese naturally.

あります (arimasu)

The verb あります (ある in dictionary form) is used to describe the existence or presence of inanimate objects and plants. This includes things like books, keys, mountains, and even abstract concepts such as meetings or events.

Examples:

1. 机つくえの上うえに本ほんがあります。
   (tsukue no ue ni hon ga arimasu)
   There is a book on the desk.
2. 公園こうえんに大おおきな木きがあります。
   (kooen ni ookina ki ga arimasu)
   There is a big tree in the park.
3. 明日会議あしたかいぎがあります。
   (ashita kaigi ga arimasu)
   There is a meeting tomorrow.
4. お金かねがありません。
   (okane ga arimasen)
   I don’t have money.

Since あります is for inanimate objects, you should not use it for people or animals.

います (imasu)

The verb います (いる in dictionary form) is used to describe the existence or presence of living things, including people and animals.

Examples:

1. 教室きょうしつに先生せんせいがいます。
   (kyooshitsu ni sensee ga imasu)
   There is a teacher in the classroom.
2. 庭にわに猫ねこがいます。
   (niwa ni neko ga imasu)
   There is a cat in the garden.
3. 駅えきの前まえにたくさんの人ひとがいます。
   (eki no mae ni takusan no hito ga imasu)
   There are many people in front of the station.
4. 友達ともだちがアメリカにいます。
   (tomodachi ga amerika ni imasu)
   My friend is in America.

If you mistakenly use あります for a person or animal, it sounds unnatural because あります refers to objects, not living beings.

Summary: How to Remember the Difference

• あります → Used for non-living things (objects, plants, places, events, concepts)
• います → Used for living things (people, animals)

One trick to remember:

If it moves by itself, use います (people and animals).
If it does not move by itself, use あります (things and objects).

By mastering the correct usage of あります and います, you’ll be able to describe locations and existence in Japanese with confidence!

Do you have any questions or examples you’d like to check? Leave a comment below!

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