Verbs · N5
ある vs いる: existence verbs
Choose the usual existence verb for non-living things or living beings.
In short
いる is normally used for people and animals; ある is normally used for inanimate things, events, possession-like existence, and many abstract occurrences.
How it works
猫がいます means “there is a cat.” 机があります means “there is a desk.” Both commonly mark the entity with が and the location with に.
Useful contrast
The animate/inanimate distinction is a strong beginner rule, though personification and special expressions can bend it.
Examples
部屋に猫がいます。
There is a cat in the room.
駅の前に店があります。
There is a shop in front of the station.
Common pitfall
Do not use です as a general replacement for “there is/are”. です identifies or describes; ある/いる assert existence.