〜があります

there is (inanimate)

N5verb-forms

〜があります is a verb form expressing there is (inanimate). Understanding this conjugation pattern is essential for expanding what you can express in Japanese. Verb forms are the backbone of Japanese grammar — each form unlocks new ways to describe actions, states, and intentions.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

Structure

[Place] に + [Thing] が + あります

When to Use#

  • When stating that an inanimate object exists in a location
  • When expressing possession of something

When NOT to Use#

  • When the meaning is closer to "there is (animate)" — use 〜がいます instead
  • In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

  • 熱があります。 — I have a fever.
  • 高い熱があります。 — I have a high fever.
  • 少し熱があります。 — I have a slight fever.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

N5health

I have a fever.

Neutral

(ねつ)があります。

Casual

(ねつ)がある。

Vocabulary
feverあるto have, to exist
Grammar
〜がありますto have ~
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N5health

I have a high fever.

Neutral

(たか)(ねつ)があります。

Casual

(たか)(ねつ)がある。

Vocabulary
高いhighfeverあるto have
Grammar
〜がありますto have ~
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Common Mistakes#

  1. Confusing 〜があります with 〜がいます — While both are related, 〜があります expresses "there is (inanimate)" whereas 〜がいます expresses "there is (animate)." Pay attention to the specific nuance each pattern conveys.
  2. Wrong verb group conjugation — Group 1 and Group 2 verbs conjugate differently. Common pitfall: treating Group 1 verbs ending in る (like 帰る) as Group 2 verbs.

Compare

〜がありますthere is (inanimate)〜がいますthere is (animate)
ForInanimate objects, plants, abstractPeople, animals, insects
Structure[Place] に [Thing] があります[Place] に [Being] がいます
Example本があります猫がいます

Related Patterns

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