What's the difference between ある and いる? I've been struggling to memorize them for a long time.

Question

Answer

As far as I understand it myself, they both have the same meaning, which is "there is" or "to exist" but いる is for living things (people, animals) and ある is for inert things.

Answer

ある→物
いる→人、ペット、生き物

例文
財布(wallet)の中に、お金がある。→お金は物なので、「ある」を使います。

駅にはたくさんの人がいる。→人なので、「いる」を使います。

Answer

Kewin-san’s understanding is completely correct! That's the difference😊 Good question!