Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Things use ある
Use ある for things and other inanimate objects. In many beginner sentences, the pattern is location plus thing plus あります.
Target signal
つくえのうえにほんがあります。
There is a book on the desk.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- にほん
- Japan
- つく
- to stick to; to be attached
Compare in context
へやにテレビがあります。
There is a TV in the room.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- テレビ
- TV; television
- へや
- room
Compare in context
かばんのなかにえんぴつがあります。
There is a pencil in the bag.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- えんぴつ
- pencil
- かばん
- bag
Section 2 of 3
People and animals use いる
Use いる for people and animals. It is the animate partner of ある, so it appears with teachers, children, cats, dogs, and other living beings.
Target signal
こうえんにこどもがいます。
There are children in the park.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- こうえん
- park
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
Preview
にわにいぬがいます。
There is a dog in the yard.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- ます
- polite verb ending
Preview
きょうしつにせんせいがいます。
There is a teacher in the classroom.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- せんせい
- teacher
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- きょう
- today
Section 3 of 3
Scan the whole existence pattern
Train yourself to scan the whole existence pattern: location first, then the thing or living being, and finally the correct existence verb.
Target signal
トイレのまえにひとがいます。
There is a person in front of the bathroom.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- トイレ
- toilet; restroom
- いま
- now
Preview
いすのしたにねこがいます。
There is a cat under the chair.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いす
- chair
- いま
- now
Preview
つくえのうえにえんぴつがあります。
There is a pencil on the desk.
Notice how Existence with ある / いる shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- えんぴつ
- pencil
- つく
- to stick to; to be attached