To exist or be present (for inanimate things, ideas, or events).
Noun + が + あるPrimary
This word means 'to be' or 'to exist'. You use it for things that are not alive. You also use it for ideas or events.
テーブルの上に鍵がある。
There is a key on the table.
ごめん、今、時間がないんだ。
Sorry, I don't have time right now.
子供の頃、この公園の近くに大きなお城があった。
When I was a child, there was a big castle near this park.
あそこにあるレストランはとても人気だよ。
That restaurant over there is very popular.
来週、大事な試験がある。
I have an important exam next week.
This word is different from 'iru'. You use 'aru' for things that cannot move on their own. For example, a book, a car, or a party. You use 'iru' for living things. For example, people or animals.
Watch out: Do not use "aru" for people or animals. Use "iru" instead. For example, say "neko ga iru" (There is a cat). Do not say "neko ga aru". That sounds like the cat is an object.
Don't use this when you talk about people or animals. Use "いる" instead. "ある" is special. Its negative form is "ない". It is not "あらない". The polite negative is "ありません". It is not "ありますん".
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