Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Things use ある
Recognize for inanimate existence.
Start with the example
。
There is a book on the desk.
Notice the variation
。
There is a TV in the room.
More detail: how to apply this
Use for inanimate things and plants: , there is a book;
, there is a tree.
A common beginner pattern is place + thing + .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Find the entity before choosing or ; the place alone does not choose the verb.
fits the cat, an animal. A book in the same location would take .
。
There is a cat under the chair.
Find the entity before choosing or ; the place alone does not choose the verb.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
There is a book on the desk.
Vocabulary notes
- にほん
- Japan
- あります
- there is; there are
Compare in context
。
There is a TV in the room.
Vocabulary notes
- へや
- room
- テレビ
- TV; television
- あります
- there is; there are
Compare in context
。
There is a pencil in the bag.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- えんぴつ
- pencil
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 2 of 4
People and animals use いる
People and animals use
Start with the example
。
There are children in the park.
Notice the variation
。
There is a dog in the yard.
More detail: how to apply this
Use for people and animals, such as teachers, children, cats, and dogs.
Plants normally take even though they are alive.
Choose the existence verb for the kind of entity, not simply whether it is living.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
There are children in the park.
In this example, the message is: There are children in the park.
。
There are children in the park.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: There are children in the park.
Showing People and animals use いる: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
There are children in the park.
Vocabulary notes
- こうえん
- park
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
There is a dog in the yard.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
There is a teacher in the classroom.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Section 3 of 4
Scan the whole existence pattern
Find the entity before choosing or ; the place alone does not choose the verb.
Scan the whole existence pattern
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
gives the location: under the chair. Read the entire position phrase together.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Connect the place before with the entity before , then check or .
In these examples, people and cats take , while the pencil takes .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
There is a person in front of the bathroom.
In this example, the message is: There is a person in front of the bathroom.
。
There is a person in front of the bathroom.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: There is a person in front of the bathroom.
Showing Scan the whole existence pattern: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
There is a person in front of the bathroom.
Vocabulary notes
- トイレ
- toilet; restroom
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
There is a cat under the chair.
Vocabulary notes
- いす
- chair
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
There is a pencil on the desk.
Vocabulary notes
- えんぴつ
- pencil
- あります
- there is; there are
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Your turn · decide before revealing
Which pair fits a cat and a desk?
More detail: what changes and why
Which pair fits a cat and a desk?
is used for animals and people;
for inanimate things such as desks.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
is used for animals and people; for inanimate things such as desks.
Which pair fits a cat and a desk?
Supported meaning: ねこが います。つくえが あります。
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.