ある

The verb ある is used to indicate the existence of inanimate objects, concepts, or plants. It can also mean "to have" when referring to inanimate things, ideas, or events. On the other hand, いる is used for animate objects.

• Expressing Existence: To say that something inanimate exists in a specific place.

  つくえ机のうえ上にほん本があります。

  There is a book on the desk.

• Expressing Possession: To say that you have something inanimate.

  わたくし私はおかねお金があります。

  I have money.
  じかん時間があります。

  I have time.

• Talking About Events: To indicate that an event is happening or will occur.

  あす明日かいぎ会議があります。

  There is a meeting tomorrow.

The location (where something exists) is typically marked with に, and the existing object is marked with が.

Conjugation

ある is an う-verb. It conjugates like a normal う-verb except for its negative form ない, which is irregular.

• ある — non-past
• あった — past
• ない — negative (exception)
• なかった — past negative

The polite 〜ます form is conjugated normally:

• あります
• ありました
• ありません
• ありませんでした