In this foundational grammar lesson, we’ll explore the Spanish existential verb “hay,” which comes from the irregular verb “haber.” Mastering hay is essential for beginners, as it allows you to express the existence or presence of people, objects, places, or abstract concepts — a vital function in both spoken and written Spanish.
You’ll learn how to:
- Use hay to say “there is” or “there are” in a wide range of situations
- Ask and answer questions like “¿Hay una farmacia cerca?” (Is there a pharmacy nearby?)
- Build clear and grammatically correct sentences describing what’s around you or what’s available
- Differentiate hay from other related verbs like está/están and tener
With practical examples, interactive exercises, and cultural context, this lesson will give you the tools to talk naturally about your surroundings and ask useful questions — all using one powerful little word: hay.
| Spanish Word (in context) | English Translation | Verb Infinitive | Conjugation |
|---|---|---|---|
| hay | there is/are | haber | hay |
| un libro | a book | – | – |
| en la mesa | on the table | – | – |
| dos gatos | two cats | – | – |
| en el jardín | in the garden | – | – |
| comida | food | – | – |
| en la nevera | in the fridge | – | – |
| leche | milk | – | – |
| una fiesta | a party | – | – |
| en la ciudad | in the city | – | – |
| muchas estrellas | many stars | – | – |
| en el cielo | in the sky | – | – |
| tres sillas | three chairs | – | – |
| en la habitación | in the room | – | – |
| agua | water | – | – |
| en el vaso | in the glass | – | – |
| un parque | a park | – | – |
| cerca de aquí | nearby | – | – |
| gente | people | – | – |
| en el cine | at the cinema | – | – |
| flores | flowers | – | – |
| en el balcón | on the balcony | – | – |
| un coche nuevo | a new car | – | – |
| en la calle | in the street | – | – |
| una tienda | a shop/store | – | – |
| al final de la carretera | at the end of the road | – | – |
Bilingual Guide
Introducción a “Hay”
“Hay” es una forma del verbo “haber” que se utiliza para indicar la existencia de algo o alguien.
Equivalente a “there is” o “there are” en inglés.
Uso de “Hay”
- Para indicar la existencia de una cantidad no específica de algo: “Hay tres libros en la mesa” (There are three books on the table).
- Para expresar la existencia de algo en general: “Hay mucha gente en el concierto” (There are a lot of people at the concert).
Estructura de la Oración con “Hay”
Generalmente sigue la estructura: Hay + [cantidad] + [sustantivo].
Ejemplo: “Hay un perro en el jardín” (There is a dog in the garden).
Usos Especiales de “Hay”
- En preguntas: “¿Hay alguien en casa?” (Is there anyone at home?).
- En negaciones: “No hay pan” (There is no bread).
Introduction to “Hay”
“Hay” is a form of the verb “haber” used to indicate the existence of something or someone.
Equivalent to “there is” or “there are” in English.
Use of “Hay”
- To indicate the existence of a nonspecific quantity of something: “Hay tres libros en la mesa” (There are three books on the table).
- To express the existence of something in general: “Hay mucha gente en el concierto” (There are a lot of people at the concert).
Sentence Structure with “Hay”
Generally follows the structure: Hay + [quantity] + [noun].
Example: “Hay un perro en el jardín” (There is a dog in the garden).
Special Uses of “Hay”
- In questions: “¿Hay alguien en casa?” (Is there anyone at home?).
- In negations: “No hay pan” (There is no bread).
Uso de 'hay'