〜がいます
there is (animate)
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜がいます” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜がいます」 means "there is (animate)". Structure: Noun + がいます. This is a JLPT N5 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1会社に友達がいます。
かいしゃにともだちがいます。
kaishanitomodachigaimasu.
I have a friend at the company.
Everyday life
Example 2銀行に友達がいます。
ぎんこうにともだちがいます。
ginkounitomodachigaimasu.
I have a friend at the bank.
Everyday life
Example 3公園に友達がいます。
こうえんにともだちがいます。
kouennitomodachigaimasu.
I have a friend at the park.
Everyday life
Example 4町に友達がいます。
まちにともだちがいます。
machinitomodachigaimasu.
I have a friend at the town.
Everyday life
Example 5レストランに友達がいます。
れすとらんにともだちがいます。
resutorannitomodachigaimasu.
I have a friend at the restaurant.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I have a friend at the company.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜がいます.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.