exists

IPA/ɪɡˈzɪst/
KK[ɪɡzˈɪsts]IPA/ɪɡˈzɪst/

exists — 動詞

  • existspresent simple I / you / we / they
  • existses3rd person singular
  • existsing-ing form
  • existsedpast simple

1. to be present in a particular place or to be a real thing in the world rather th

1.動詞不及物A2
釋義

存在

真正存在於某處或為真實

to be present in a particular place or to be a real thing in the world rather than an imaginary one

例句

The old stone bridge still exists near the village where Mei grew up.

Mei 長大的村子附近那座老石橋仍然存在。

exist + near [place] — physical location

Scientists have shown that microscopic life exists in the deepest parts of the ocean.

科學家已經發現，在海洋最深處存在著微小的生命。

同義詞
  • be present

    More specific about location; 'exist' can mean real without a specific place

  • occur

    Used mainly for events, problems, or natural phenomena rather than objects or traditions

  • remain

    Focuses on continuing to exist after other things have changed or disappeared

反義詞
  • disappear

    To stop being visible or present

  • vanish

    To cease to exist suddenly or completely

文法句型

exist + in/at/on [place or domain]

用法筆記

This sense is rarely used in continuous forms (is existing / was existing). It occurs most naturally in the simple present and simple past tenses.

常見錯誤

❌Many different cultures are existing in this country.
✅Many different cultures exist in this country.
💡'Exist' as a stative verb describing a state of being rarely takes the continuous form.

2. to stay alive, especially when you have very little food, money, or other resour

2.動詞不及物B1
釋義

生存

在困難條件下勉強維持生命

to stay alive, especially when you have very little food, money, or other resources to support yourself

例句

Many families in that region exist on less than two dollars each day.

那個地區許多家庭每天靠不到兩美元生存。

exist + on [small amount of money]

The birds exist mainly on insects and wild berries during the cold winter.

在寒冷的冬天，這種鳥類主要靠吃昆蟲和野生漿果生存。

同義詞
  • survive

    More active and common; often implies overcoming a specific threat rather than ongoing hardship

  • get by

    Informal; refers to managing with limited money or resources

  • subsist

    More formal; usually describes staying alive on minimal food or income

反義詞
  • die

    To stop living

  • starve

    To die or suffer from lack of food

文法句型

exist + on [resources]

exist + by [means]

用法筆記

Often followed by 'on' to specify the means of survival (food, money, or other resources). Frequently used with 'barely', 'hardly', or 'just' to emphasise difficulty. Do not use this sense for normal daily living — use 'live' instead.

常見錯誤

❌My cousin exists in Kaohsiung.
✅My cousin lives in Kaohsiung.
💡For permanent residence, use 'live'; 'exist' in this sense specifically refers to surviving with difficulty or scarce resources.