Processing keyword: ～あります (〜arimasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～あります (〜arimasu)

Understanding ～あります (〜arimasu) in Japanese

1. Introduction

The verb あります (arimasu) is an essential Japanese verb used to indicate the existence or presence of inanimate objects and to express possession. Mastering あります is crucial for constructing basic sentences and communicating effectively about things that exist or that you have.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

あります is the polite present tense form of the verb ある (aru), which means "to exist" or "to have" when referring to inanimate objects, places, or abstract concepts. It is used in two main contexts:

1. Indicating Existence: To state that something (an inanimate object) exists somewhere.
2. Expressing Possession: To say that someone has something (an inanimate object).

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

1. Indicating Existence

Structure:

[Location] に [Object] が あります。

• [Location] に: Indicates where something exists.
• [Object] が: Marks the object that exists.
• あります: Verb meaning "there is" or "exists". Example:
• 公園にベンチがあります。
  • Kōen ni benchi ga arimasu.
  • There is a bench in the park.

2. Expressing Possession

Structure:

[Person] は [Object] が あります。

• [Person] は: Marks the person who has something.
• [Object] が: Marks the object possessed.
• あります: Verb meaning "have" when referring to inanimate objects. Example:
• 私は車があります。
  • Watashi wa kuruma ga arimasu.
  • I have a car.

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Visual Aids

Diagram: Indicating Existence

Location に	Object が	あります。
部屋に	机が	あります。
In the room	a desk	exists.

Diagram: Expressing Possession

Person は	Object が	あります。
彼は	新しい自転車が	あります。
He	a new bicycle	has.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing あります and います

It's important to distinguish between あります and います, as they are used for different types of nouns.

• あります (arimasu)
  • Used for inanimate objects, plants, or abstract concepts.
• います (imasu)
  • Used for animate beings such as people and animals. Example with います:
• 先生がいます。
  • Sensei ga imasu.
  • There is a teacher. Incorrect Usage:
• 本がいます。 (Incorrect)
• 本があります。 (Correct)
  • Hon ga arimasu.
  • There is a book.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Indicating Existence

1. 学校に図書館があります。
   • Gakkō ni toshokan ga arimasu.
   • There is a library at the school.
2. 机の上に猫の写真があります。
   • Tsukue no ue ni neko no shashin ga arimasu.
   • There is a photo of a cat on the desk.
3. 近くにコンビニがありますか。
   • Chikaku ni konbini ga arimasu ka?
   • Is there a convenience store nearby?

Expressing Possession

4. 彼女はピアノがあります。
   • Kanojo wa piano ga arimasu.
   • She has a piano.
5. あなたは質問がありますか。
   • Anata wa shitsumon ga arimasu ka?
   • Do you have any questions?

Formal and Informal Usage

• Formal: あります
  • 公園に湖があります。
    • Kōen ni mizūmi ga arimasu.
    • There is a lake in the park.
• Informal: ある
  • 公園に湖がある。
    • Kōen ni mizūmi ga aru.
    • There's a lake in the park.

Spoken Language

• In casual conversation, particles may sometimes be dropped.
  • ここ(に)自販機あるよ。
    • Koko (ni) jihanki aru yo.
    • There's a vending machine here.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Understanding the correct use of あります and います reflects your grasp of subtle nuances in Japanese, which is important in polite and effective communication.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Using あります is polite and appropriate in most contexts.
• The plain form ある is casual and used among friends or in informal settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

Using あります in Set Phrases

• 縁があります (en ga arimasu)
  • To have a connection/fate with someone or something.
  • 彼とは不思議な縁があります。
    • Kare to wa fushigi na en ga arimasu.
    • I have a strange connection with him.
• 味があります (aji ga arimasu)
  • To have taste/flavor; also used metaphorically to mean something has character.
  • この建物は古くて味があります。
    • Kono tatemono wa furukute aji ga arimasu.
    • This building is old and has character.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Mixing up あります and います
   • Incorrect: 犬があります。
     • Inu ga arimasu. (Incorrect because dogs are animate)
   • Correct: 犬がいます。
     • Inu ga imasu. (There is a dog.)
2. Forgetting Particles
   • Incorrect: 公園本があります。
     • Missing に and が particles.
   • Correct: 公園に本があります。
     • Kōen ni hon ga arimasu.
3. Using the Wrong Particle
   • Incorrect: 私が車があります。
   • Correct: 私は車があります。
     • Watashi wa kuruma ga arimasu.
     • は (wa) marks the topic (I), が (ga) marks the subject (car).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • "Animate with Imasu, Inanimate with Arimasu"
    • If it’s alive and can move on its own, use います.
    • If it’s not alive or doesn't move on its own, use あります.
• Visual Reminder:
  • Picture あります with a static object like a tree, and います with a moving cat.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• あります (arimasu) is used to indicate the existence or possession of inanimate objects.
• Use に to indicate location when stating existence.
• Use は to indicate the possessor when expressing possession.
• Do not confuse あります with います, which is used for animate beings.

Quick Recap Quiz

Question 1

Fill in the blank with the correct verb: 駅の前に喫茶店が________。

• a) あります
• b) います

Answer

**a) あります** *Eki no mae ni kissaten ga arimasu.*

#### Question 2 Translate into Japanese: "There is a park behind the school."

Answer

**学校の後ろに公園があります。** *Gakkō no ushiro ni kōen ga arimasu.*

#### Question 3 Is the following sentence correct? If not, correct it. **彼は兄弟があります。**

Answer

**Incorrect.** **Correct Sentence:** **彼は兄弟がいます。** *Kare wa kyōdai ga imasu.* (Use **います** for siblings because they are people.)

--- By understanding and practicing the usage of **あります**, you'll be able to describe existence and possession confidently in Japanese. Keep practicing with different nouns and locations to reinforce your learning!