2 Japanese words read iru

iru (いる) is shared by 2 distinct words, each with its own kanji and meaning. Jump to: 居る · 要る.

居る

いる

To be, to exist (animate)

N5verb·iru

How to remember it

Use 居る for things with ears (people, animals); ある for the rest.

Example sentences

  • 猫が庭に居ます。

    ねこがにわにいます。

    There is a cat in the garden.

  • 今、家に居ます。

    いま、いえにいます。

    I'm at home now.

Usage

Ichidan (ru-) verb for animate existence; use ある for inanimate things.

Related words

ある住む居場所要る

要る

いる

To need, be necessary

N5verb·iru

How to remember it

要る sounds like "I rule" what's needed; the kanji 要 means "essential/need."

Example sentences

  • お金が要る。

    おかねがいる。

    I need money.

  • もっと時間が要ります。

    もっとじかんがいります。

    I need more time.

Usage

Intransitive; the thing needed takes が, never を.

Related words

必要入る要望要素

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