Expressing Existence with Haber
Basic Spanish Concepts Express Existence with Hay
The verb haber is irregular in the present tense when used to express existence. In the present tense, the word hay is followed by singular or plural objects to express “there is” or “there are.”
Hay muchas camisas muy bonitas.
There are a lot of very cute shirts.
No hay cargo adicional.
There's no extra charge.
Hay muchos estudiantes de intercambio en la universidad pública.
There are many exchange students at the state university.
Hay un baile gitano este fin de semana.
There is a gypsy dance this weekend.
Hay muchos libros en la biblioteca.
There are many books in the library.
Hay un libro encima de la mesa.
There is a book on the table.
Hay dos baños en mi casa.
There are two baths in my house.
Hay cuatro océanos en el mundo.
There are 4 oceans in the world.
Hay un libro y una pluma en la mesa.
There is one book and one pen on the table.
or
There is a book and a pen on the table.
Is there?
Are there?
Is there a hotel downtown?
Are there any books around here?
Are there lots of students in the class?
Are there 4 chairs in the room?
Is there one girl or two?
The verb form "hay" can also be used to answer questions.
Is there a hotel downtown?
Yes. Yes there is.
Are there any books around here?
No. No there aren't.
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