Text: Iru

This tutorial will cover the verb ru-verb 'iru'. As you may recall from the previous tutorial, 'aru' is used for inanimate or nonliving things. 'Iru', on the other hand, is used for living things.

'Iru' still follows the same rules as 'aru' in regards to particle use with 'ga' and 'ni'.

Let's see some examples.

そこにりゅうがくせいがいます。
Soko ni ryuugakusei ga imasu.
There is an international student there.

Notice the difference between the above and the below:
ボブさんはりゅうがくせいです。
Bobu-san wa ryuugakusei desu.
Bob is an international student.

The first points out the existence of an international student whereas the latter says Bob /is/ international student.

ここにかめがいます。
Koko ni kame ga imasu.
There is a turtle here.
(Kame = turtle)

田中さんはいえにいませんでした。
たなかさんはいえにいませんでした。
Tanaka-san wa ie ni imasendeshita.
Tanaka was not home.

'Iru' can also be used for having something.

かのじょがいます。
Kanojo ga imasu.
I have a girlfriend.

However, 'iru' cannot be used for claiming ownership of a pet. There is a specific verb for that. For that, you would use 飼う (kau) "to own (a pet)" instead.

いぬをかいます。
Inu wo kaimasu.
I have (own) a dog.