“To exist (people & animals)” in Japanese is いる, pronounced iru.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
“There is” or “to have” for people and animals. For things, use ある.
Example sentences
- 兄弟がいますか。きょうだいがいますか。Do you have siblings?
- 公園に子供がいます。こうえんにこどもがいます。There are children in the park.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of いる. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | いる | exist (people & animals) |
| Polite present | います | exist (people & animals) |
| Polite negative | いません | don’t exist (people & animals) |
| Polite past | いました | past of “exist (people & animals)” |
| Plain negative (ない) | いない | don’t exist (people & animals) (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | いた | past of “exist (people & animals)” (casual) |
| て-form | いて | exist (people & animals) and… / please exist (people & animals) (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | いたい | want to exist (people & animals) |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to exist (people & animals) in Japanese?
To exist (people & animals) in Japanese is いる, pronounced “iru”.
Is いる on the JLPT?
Yes. いる (iru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.