JLPT N5 Grammar: ～があります – Existence of Non-Living Things

By ProDev Teach | Updated May 2025

📘 Meaning & Usage

The expression ～があります is used to indicate the existence of non-living things such as objects, plants, and events.

Translation: There is/are (non-living things)

Form:

• Noun (non-living thing) + があります

💡 Example Sentences

• 机の上に本があります。
  Tsukue no ue ni hon ga arimasu.
  There is a book on the desk.
• 公園に木があります。
  Kōen ni ki ga arimasu.
  There are trees in the park.
• 明日、会議があります。
  Ashita, kaigi ga arimasu.
  There is a meeting tomorrow.

📝 Grammar Notes

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

📝 Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks

1. 冷蔵庫にジュース＿＿＿＿。
2. 庭に花＿＿＿＿。
3. 明日、試験＿＿＿＿。

✔ Answers:

• があります
• があります
• があります

2. Translate into Japanese

1. There is a pen on the table.
2. There are apples in the basket.
3. There is a festival next week.

✔ Sample Answers:

• テーブルの上にペンがあります。
• かごにりんごがあります。
• 来週、祭りがあります。

🔗 Related Grammar

• ～がいます: Existence of living things
• ～に: Particle indicating location

🧠 Summary

• Meaning: There is/are (non-living things)
• Level: JLPT N5
• Form: Noun (non-living thing) + があります
• Usage: Indicates the existence of non-living things at a location

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.