7.3 The Verbs ある and いる

7.3 The Verbs ある and いる

We already know from our verbs list that the verbs ある (あります) and いる (います) both mean "to be (in existence)/to have."

What's the difference?

Let's look at these two verbs in more detail. 

We use あります to say that inanimate things are (or are not) in existence.  あります can also be used for "to have" a non-living thing (like a car or a house).

Use the particle が with あります.

本があります。 There is a book. 
本がありません。　There is no book. 

Depending on the context, the above sentences could also mean "I have a book" or "I don't have a book."

We use います to say that living things are (or are not) present or in existence.  います can also be used to for "to have" a living thing (like a brother or sister).

Use the particle が with います.

いもうとさんがいますか。 Do you have a little sister? 
いいえ、いもうとがいません。 No, I don't have a little sister.
はい、いもうとがいます。Yes, I have a little sister.

Again, depending on the context, someone could be asking you if your little sister is there (with you).  Then, the responses would mean something different:  "No, my little sister isn't here" or "Yes, my little sister is here."

Look at sentences and questions below.  See if you can fill in the blank with the correct verb.  Click the "+" to see if you got it right!