Signification
Used to indicate existence or possession of animate beings.
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesここにねこ( )います。
わたしのいえにきょうだい( )います。
へやにだれ( )いますか？
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The Japanese verb 'いる' (iru) or 'おります' (orimasu - humble form) is used for the existence of animate objects (people, animals). When expressing existence, the particle 'が' (ga) marks the subject of the verb. So, '〜がいます' literally translates to 'there is/are ~' or 'have ~' (for animate beings). The construction has been a fundamental part of Japanese grammar for centuries. While precise dating of the '〜がいます' structure can be complex due to its integral nature to the language, the individual components ('が' as a subject marker, and 'いる' for animate existence) have deep roots in Old Japanese. The distinction between 'いる' (for animate) and 'ある' (aru, for inanimate) is a core feature that has persisted throughout the development of the language. This distinction helps to clarify whether the subject is living or non-living.
