にいます
ni imasu
The English phrase "I am at" is expressed in Japanese using にいます (ni imasu).
This phrase is used to state your current physical location. When using the structure Watashi wa ___ ni imasu, it serves as a formal way to communicate that you are at or in a specific place.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase にいます consists of the particle に (ni), which means "at" or "in" and the verb います (imasu), which means "to exist" or "to be" when referring to living things.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form にいます is the polite version. For informal situations, such as speaking with friends or family, the dictionary form にいる is used instead.
How do you pronounce it?
ni imasu
Did you know?
- While います is used for people and animals, if you are stating that an inanimate object is 'at' a location, you must switch the verb to あります.
- While います describes presence, the phrase いらっしゃいます is the honorific version used when stating that someone of higher status is 'at' a location.
- The verb いる has a secondary meaning of 'to be needed', meaning a sentence like ここにいる could potentially mean 'I am here' or 'I am needed here' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- 私は家にいます。I am at home.This sentence is useful for stating that you are at home.Tatoeba #158047 by bunbuku, translation #29049 by CK
- 私は毎晩家にいます。I am at home every evening.Tatoeba #152681 by small_snow, translation #261868 by CK
- 今、駅にいます。Ima, eki ni imasu.I am at the station now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking on the phone to meet up.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さん、今どこにいますか？Ren-san, ima doko ni imasu ka?Ren, where are you now?
- 蓮 Ren私は今、カフェにいます。Watashi wa ima, kafe ni imasu.I am at a cafe now.
- 美咲 Misaki分かりました。すぐに行きますね。Wakarimashita. Sugu ni ikimasu ne.I see. I will go there right away.
- 蓮 Ren待っています。Matte imasu.I am waiting.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
