Hay for existence
hay: there is / there are
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hay: there is / there are
Hay means there is or there are and stays the same in the present. Introduce something with an indefinite phrase: Hay una mesa. Locate a known thing with estar: La mesa está aquí.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Introducing singular items
An indefinite phrase introduces something not yet identified in the conversation.
Hay un libro en la mesa.
There is a book on the table.
Introducing plural items
Hay stays the same for plurals.
Hay muchos árboles aquí.
There are many trees here.
Common mix-ups
Use hay to introduce a book. To locate a particular book already known to the listener, say El libro está en la mesa.
There is a book on the table.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
There are two cups in the kitchen.
Show one possible answer
Hay dos tazas en la cocina.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
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