iru and aru

[TheAce]

i've learned that "aru" is used for objects that aren't alive and "iru" is used for objects that are alive
but which one do I need to use for trees and plants?
'cause they don't really move a lot, but still they're alive, as far as plants can be alive at least

 

[Elizabeth]

Iru = People and animals (living creatures).

Aru = Inanimate objects and concepts (also for trees and plants).

 

[yasuyuki]

This is a very nice question^^
As Mrs. Elizabeth said, for plants you should use "aru".
However, for ghosts, of course they are not alive, "iru" is used.
and fairies, spirits (including spirits of trees) and vampires are iru. (...inai^^?
anyway, what i really wanna insist is that most of the definitions in the dictionary is not always right and there are some exclusions.

 

[Elizabeth]

This is a very nice question^^
As Mrs. Elizabeth said, for plants you should use "aru".
However, for ghosts, of course they are not alive, "iru" is used.
and fairies, spirits (including spirits of trees) and vampires are iru. (...inai^^?
anyway, what i really wanna insist is that most of the definitions in the dictionary is not always right and there are some exclusions.

Aru also for some types of 虫 (insects, bugs, worms, parasites....). To exist as something that isn't living...