How to Say ‘There is / It exists (for things/places)’ in Japanese
あります
ari masu
[ah-ree mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: Use [あります] for things/places (not people/animals). Typical direction info: [コンビニがあります] “There’s a convenience store.” Negative is [ありません].
🇯🇵 In Japan: People may answer your question with just the key info: [ありますよ] / [あります]—short, polite, and to the point.
Phrase Breakdown
あり
ari
[ah-ree]
there is; exists (for things/places)
Polite verb used to indicate the existence/location of non-living things and places. Often used when giving directions: ～にあります.
出口は右側にあり、すぐ見えます。
The exit is on the right side, and you can see it right away.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending (makes a verb formal)
Polite ending attached to verb stems to make the sentence polite (e.g., あります, わかります). Common in speaking to strangers when asking/giving directions.
トイレはあそこにあります。
The restroom is over there.
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