Translation guide
The English verb 'to exist' is used to talk about whether something is in the world or in a particular place. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether the subject is animate (people, animals) or inanimate (objects, concepts). There is no single verb that covers all uses of 'to exist'.
To say that something non-living exists, such as an object, a place, a problem, or an abstract concept.
The most common verb for inanimate existence. Used for objects, places, events, abstract things, etc.
机の上に本がある。
There is a book on the desk.
There is a problem.
A more formal or philosophical term for existence. Often used in written or academic contexts.
Does God exist?
To say that a person, animal, or other living thing exists or is present.
The most common verb for animate existence. Used for people, animals, and sometimes sentient beings like robots or ghosts in casual contexts.
There are children in the park.
There is a cat.
Can also be used for animate beings in formal or philosophical statements.
I wonder if aliens exist.
To say where something non-living is located.
Used with location particles like に to indicate where an inanimate thing is.
The station is over there.
To say where a person or animal is.
Used with location particles like に to indicate where an animate being is.
My mother is in the kitchen.
To say that a situation, state, or condition exists.
Used for states, conditions, possibilities, etc.
There is a possibility.
There is a need.
To express existence in a formal, written, or philosophical manner.
Use ある for inanimate things (objects, concepts, plants in some contexts) and いる for animate things (people, animals). Some borderline cases (robots, ghosts, dolls) can take either depending on perceived animacy.
There is a robot. (いる if seen as sentient, ある if seen as a machine)
存在する is much more formal and less common in everyday speech than 'exist' is in English. In most daily situations, ある or いる is more natural.
Do you think ghosts actually exist?