“To exist (things)” in Japanese is ある, pronounced aru.
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 things, plants and events. Its negative is just ない. For people and animals, use いる.
Example sentences
- 時間がありますか。じかんがありますか。Do you have time?
- 近くにコンビニがあります。ちかくにコンビニがあります。There’s a convenience store nearby.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of ある. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | ある | exist (things) |
| Polite present | あります | exist (things) |
| Polite negative | ありません | don’t exist (things) |
| Polite past | ありました | past of “exist (things)” |
| Plain negative (ない) | ない | don’t exist (things) (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | あった | past of “exist (things)” (casual) |
| て-form | あって | exist (things) and… / please exist (things) (+ください) |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to exist (things) in Japanese?
To exist (things) in Japanese is ある, pronounced “aru”.
Is ある on the JLPT?
Yes. ある (aru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.