Basic Lessons
Asking Directions (4)
Dialogue
Click here for the dialogue for Asking Directions.
Expressions for Existence
"Arimasu (aru)" and "imasu (iru)" are the verbs for existence. "Arimasu" is used for inanimate things and "imasu" for animate things (people, animals etc.)
| Denwa ga arimasu. | There is a telephone. |
| Otoko no ko ga imasu. | There is a boy. |
The particle "ni" indicates location or place of existence.
| Nikai ni denwa ga arimasu. | There is a telephone on the 2nd floor. |
| Koen ni otoko no ko ga imasu. | There is a boy in the park. |
When you want to talk about the telephone, the telephone becomes the topic. In this case the particle "wa (a topic maker)" is used. When you want to talk about the what is on the second floor, "on the second floor" becomes the topic. Compare these sentences.
| Nikai ni denwa ga arimasu. | There is a telephone on the 2nd floor. |
| Denwa wa nikai ni arimasu. | The telephone is on the 2nd floor. |
| Nikai ni wa denwa ga arimasu. | On the 2nd floor, there is a telephone. |
"Desu" can be a substitute of "ni arimasu/imasu".
| Toshokan wa doko ni
arimasu ka. Toshokan wa doko desu ka. |
Where is the library? |
| Asoko ni arimasu. Asoko desu. |
It's over there. |
