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いる
iru
to be (animate)
猫がいる。
There is a cat.
informal
To exist; to be present (for animate beings).
子供がいますか？
Do you have any children?
今、誰かがいます。
Someone is here now.
Used for people, animals, and other living beings. Contrasts with ある (aru), which is for inanimate objects.
informal
To need; to require.
お金がいる。
I need money.
時間がいる。
It takes time.
Often used in the form 〜がいる (e.g., お金がいる).
informal
To stay; to remain (in a place).
家にいる。
I am at home.
ここにいてください。
Please stay here.
Contrasts with 行く (iku) or 来る (kuru) for movement.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Animate vs. Inanimate
Use いる for living things (people, animals) and ある for objects. For example: 猫がいる (a cat exists) vs. 本がある (a book exists).
Gold Rule
When to Use いる
Use いる when referring to the existence of animate beings or when expressing a need (〜がいる). For inanimate objects or abstract concepts, use ある.
Word Origin
From Old Japanese *wi- (to be), cognate with Old Korean *i- (to be) and proto-Japonic *ir-.
Usage Notes
いる is the animate counterpart to ある (inanimate 'to be'). It is also used for needs (〜がいる) and staying in a place. The negative form is いない.
Word Breakdown
い
existential root
rootる
verb ending (conclusive form)
suffix和英辞典