JLPT N5 Grammar: ～がいます – Existence of Living Things

By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025

???? Meaning & Usage

The expression ～がいます is used to indicate the existence of living things such as people and animals.

Translation: There is/are (living things)

Form:

• Noun (living thing) + がいます

???? Example Sentences

• 公園に犬がいます。
  Kōen ni inu ga imasu.
  There is a dog in the park.
• 教室に学生がいます。
  Kyōshitsu ni gakusei ga imasu.
  There are students in the classroom.
• 私の家に猫がいます。
  Watashi no ie ni neko ga imasu.
  There is a cat at my house.

???? Grammar Notes

• Use います for living things (people, animals).
• Use あります for non-living things (objects, plants).

???? Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks

1. 図書館に先生＿＿＿＿。
2. 庭に鳥＿＿＿＿。
3. 部屋に子供＿＿＿＿。

✔ Answers:

• がいます
• がいます
• がいます

2. Translate into Japanese

1. There is a cat under the table.
2. There are students in the library.
3. There is a dog in the garden.

✔ Sample Answers:

• テーブルの下に猫がいます。
• 図書館に学生がいます。
• 庭に犬がいます。

???? Summary

• Meaning: There is/are (living things)
• Level: JLPT N5
• Form: Noun (living thing) + がいます
• Usage: Indicates the existence of living things at a location

???? Related Grammar & Vocabulary

• JLPT N5 Grammar List – 60 Essential Grammar Points
• が – subject marker; however; but
• があります – there is; is (non-living things)
• がほしい – to want something
• ほうがいい – had better; should
• い-adjectives – i-adjectives
• 一番（いちばん） – the most; the best
• 一緒に（いっしょに） – together
• いつも – always; usually; habitually
• じゃない・ではない – to not be

thuandao

I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.