Genki Grammar #19: Mastering X ga arimasu / imasu

Introduction

In Japanese, the verbs あります (arimasu) and います (imasu) are used to say “there is/are X,” “you have or own something,” and to indicate that “an event will take place.” These verbs are essential for indicating the existence of things, people, and events.

What It Means

あります (arimasu): Used for non-living things and events.

います (imasu): Used for people and other living, moving things.

When You Use It

Use あります and います to talk about the existence of things or people, possession, and events.

Examples

1. There is/are
   • Using あります (arimasu):
     あそこにレストランがあります。
     (Asoko ni resutoran ga arimasu.)  
     There’s a restaurant over there.
     
   • Using います (imasu):
     あそこに学生がいます。
     (Asoko ni gakusei ga imasu.)  
     There is a student over there.
2. Possession (You have or own something)
   • Using あります (arimasu):
     (Reizouko ga arimasu.)  
     I have a fridge.
     
     お金がありますか。
      (Okane ga arimasu ka.)  
     Do you have money?
     
   • Using います (imasu):
     アメリカ人の友だちがいます。
     (Amerika-jin no tomodachi ga imasu.)  
     I have an American friend.
3. Say that an event will take place
   • Using あります (arimasu):
     あした東京でお祭りがあります。
     (Ashita Toukyou de omatsuri ga arimasu.)  
     There will be a festival in Tokyo tomorrow.

Note

1. Particles:
   • Use が (ga) to mark the thing or person you are talking about.
   • Use に (ni) to mark the place where something or someone exists.
   • Use で (de) when あります is used to indicate that an event will take place.
2. Negative Forms:
   • あります: 冷蔵庫がありません (Reizouko ga arimasen) means “I don’t have a fridge.”
   • います: 友だちがいません (Tomodachi ga imasen) means “I don’t have friends.”
3. Difference in Negative Sentences:
   • 冷蔵庫がありません (Reizouko ga arimasen):** “I don’t have a fridge.”
   • 冷蔵庫じゃありません (Reizouko ja arimasen):** “It isn’t a fridge.
   • 冷蔵庫じゃないです。(Reizouko ja naidesu). It isn’t a fridge.   
     • Special Note: The informal negative form of ある is ないです (nai desu), not あらないです (aranai desu).

Conclusion

Mastering あります and います will help you describe the existence and location of things and people, talk about possessions, and indicate events effectively. Remember the differences in usage and particles to form accurate sentences.