彼女がいます
kanojo ga imasu
In Japanese, 'I have a girlfriend' is said as 彼女がいます (kanojo ga imasu).
This phrase is used to state that you are in a romantic relationship with a woman. In this context, kanojo means 'girlfriend'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'a girlfriend (subject) exists' because the verb used, います, is specifically for the existence of living beings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 彼女がいます is a formal way to say 'I have a girlfriend.' You can use the dictionary form 彼女がいる to make the statement informal and suitable for friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase uses the particle が to indicate that the girlfriend is the one who exists. This is used instead of the particle を, which would imply a direct action is being performed on her. Additionally, the subject 'I' (watashi) is often omitted from the sentence because it is understood from the context.
How do you pronounce it?
kanojo ga imasu
Did you know?
- The word kanojo is a relatively modern creation. In classical Japanese, people used different pronouns or referred to partners by their role in the family.
- While kanojo means 'girlfriend', the term koibito is a more poetic or serious word for 'lover' and is frequently found in J-pop lyrics and romantic novels.
- In many Japanese social settings, instead of saying 'I have a girlfriend', people might say they are 'in a relationship' (tsukiatte iru) to sound more natural.
Examples in context
- 実は、彼女がいます。Jitsu wa, kanojo ga imasu.Actually, I have a girlfriend.
- 今は彼女がいます。Ima wa kanojo ga imasu.I have a girlfriend right now.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about their personal lives.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんは、いま恋人がいますか？Ren-san wa, ima koibito ga imasu ka?Ren, do you have a partner right now?
- 蓮 Renはい、彼女がいます。Hai, kanojo ga imasu.Yes, I have a girlfriend.
- 結衣 Yuiそうなんですね！嬉しいです。Sou nan desu ne! Ureshii desu.I see! I'm happy for you.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
