Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Exist" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "exist", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いる
いる (iru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ある
ある (aru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "exist" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いる and ある.
In Japanese, いる (いる (iru)) is typically associated with "to exist (animate), to be (for people/animals)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for living beings.
On the other hand, ある (ある (aru)) maps to "to exist (inanimate), to be (for things), to have" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for non-living things. A literal translation of "exist" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いる"
部屋に猫がいます。
There is a cat in the room.
Bilingual Context for "ある"
机の上に本があります。
There is a book on the desk.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "部屋に猫がいます。" (Meaning: "There is a cat in the room.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いる" fits here because it means "to exist (animate), to be (for people/animals)" in the context of: "There is a cat in the room.". "ある" represents "to exist (inanimate), to be (for things), to have".