いる
iruTo exist or be present (for living things, including people and animals)
友達が部屋にいます
My friend is in the room.
犬が庭で遊んでいます
The dog is playing in the yard.
Used for living things. For inanimate objects, use 'ある'.
To be located or situated (for places or abstract concepts)
駅が近くにいます
The station is nearby.
問題がまだ残っています
The problem still remains.
Can be used for abstract concepts like problems or situations.
To be in a certain state or condition
彼は病気で寝ています
He is sick and in bed.
彼女は幸せそうに見えます
She looks happy.
Often used with descriptive verbs like '見える' (to look) or '聞こえる' (to be heard).
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Polite vs. Casual Forms
Use 'います' in polite contexts and 'いる' in casual conversations.
⚡Gold Rule
Living Things Only
Use 'いる' for living things and 'ある' for inanimate objects.
📖Word Origin
From Old Japanese '居る' (oru), meaning 'to be present'. The modern form 'いる' is derived from the casual form of '居る'.
📝Usage Notes
Used for living things (people, animals) and sometimes for abstract concepts. For inanimate objects, use 'ある'. The polite form is 'います'.