V-te iru and aru to Express the Existence of Inanimate Objects

Abstract

A basic Japanese sentence form that expresses the existence of inanimate objects is ... ni ... ga ... aru. However, in actual use, the use of aru is limited, and it is not uncommonly substituted with V-te iru. In Japanese language education, expressions of existence are extremely important. While both aru and V-te iru are basic terms, the conditions for their proper usage have not been made sufficiently clear.

This paper clarifies the conditions for the proper use of aru and V-te iru in sentences formed from [place of existence] ni [existing object] ga {aru/V-te iru} to express the existence of an inanimate object. Through the analysis of relevant examples, this paper asserts that the three conditions of transfer process, volition, and unity, are closely related to the proper use of aru and V-te iru.