il y a
il y a: there is / there are
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il y a: there is / there are
il y a does not change for singular or plural: Il y a un café. Il y a des livres.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Listing Singular Objects
Use un for one masculine thing.
Il y a un café.
There is a cafe.
Listing Plural Objects
Never change il y a for plurals.
Il y a des livres.
There are books.
Common mix-ups
English speakers translate "there are" literally, but French always uses il y a.
There are books.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in French before opening the example.
There are three windows in the room.
Show one possible answer
Il y a trois fenêtres dans la chambre.
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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Related grammar
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