English–Japanese

“be” in Japanese

Japanese

Alsoおる (oru) · いらっしゃる (irassharu) · ある (aru)

Pronunciation

Romajiiru

Example

猫がいます。neko ga i ma su

There is a cat.

Illustration for いる (be)

How to say “be” in Japanese

“Be” in Japanese is いる (iru).

This verb presents something as present, either by existing in a place or by being necessary for a purpose.

Full entry for いる: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with いる

猫は庭にいます。neko wa niwa ni i ma su

The cat is in the yard.

週末は家にいます。shū matsu wa ie ni i ma su

I am at home on weekends.

Tips for using いる

  • In beginner conversation, the plain form いる (iru) changes to polite います (imasu), while the basic meaning remains the same.

Other Japanese words for “be”

私はここにおります。watashi wa ko ko ni o ri ma su

I am here.

先生は教室にいらっしゃいます。sen sei wa kyō shitsu ni i ra ssha i ma su

The teacher is in the classroom.

ここにペンがあるので、使います。ko ko ni pe n ga a ru no de tsuka i ma su

There is a pen here, so I will use it.

Related English words

“be” in other languages