存在

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 存在, read as そんざい. It denotes the fact that a person, creature, or thing exists, or the meaningful presence of someone, and also functions as a する verb.
• Basic usage: Stating that a creature exists appears in 生物が存在する, while referring to the presence of one’s family appears in 家族の存在.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 実在
  • It is broader than a term that stresses actual real-world existence and can cover abstract existence or an emotionally important presence.