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    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. あります

    あります

    あります

    This word means 'there is' or 'there are'. You use it for things that are not alive. It also means 'to have' something.

    N5KMT1PoliteStandardVerb ConstructionMixedBasic ExistenceGrammar

    Location + に + Noun + が + ありますPrimary
    Noun + が + あります

    This word means 'there is' or 'there are'. You use it for things that are not alive. It also means 'to have' something.

    机つくえの上うえに本ほんがあります。

    There is a book on the desk.

    PoliteNon PastAffirmativeSentence EndingDeclarativeHome & HousingDaily LifeEducation
    冷れい蔵ぞう庫こに牛ぎゅう乳にゅうがありません。

    There is no milk in the refrigerator.

    PoliteNon PastNegativeSentence EndingDeclarativeFood & DiningHome & Housing
    昨きの日う、駅えきの近ちかくで面おも白しろいイベントがありました。

    Yesterday, there was an interesting event near the station.

    PolitePastAffirmativeSentence EndingDeclarativeCulture & TraditionsDaily Life
    時じ間かんは十じゅう分ぶんにありますが、計けい画かく的てきに進すすめましょう。

    There is enough time, but let's proceed according to the plan.

    FormalNon PastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeWork & CareerBusiness & Finance
    何なにか質しつ問もんがありますか。

    Do you have any questions?

    PoliteNon PastAffirmativeSentence EndingDeclarativeWork & CareerEducation

    You can use 'arimasu' for things you cannot touch. Think of it like saying 'there is' for ideas. For example, 'there is a problem' or 'there is a meeting'.

    This word is different from "います" (imasu). You use "います" for living things, like people or animals. You use "あります" for things that are not alive. This includes plants and ideas. For example, you say "猫がいます" for "There is a cat." You say "本があります" for "There is a book." Also, "あります" is polite. Its plain form is "ある" (aru). You use "ある" when speaking casually.

    Don't use this when talking about living things like people or animals. For example, you wouldn't say "ここに猫があります" (Koko ni neko ga arimasu - There is a cat here).

    Often confused with(1)

    います

    This word means 'to be' or 'to exist'. You use it for living things, like people or animals. It can also mean 'to have' a living thing.

    Contrasts with(1)

    います

    This word means 'to be' or 'to exist'. You use it for living things, like people or animals. It can also mean 'to have' a living thing.

    More formal alternatives(1)

    ある

    To exist or be present (for inanimate things, ideas, or events).

    ます形

    This is a polite verb ending. You use it to show respect. It is the basic way to speak politely in Japanese.

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    Related concepts for this entry

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    • ある

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