Using 'Son' or 'Están' for Existence

'Hay' means both 'there is' and 'there are'. It never changes, whether you're talking about one thing or many things. It makes things simple!

One Form Fits All

To ask a question with 'hay', just change the tone of your voice or add question marks. For example, '¿Hay un baño?' means 'Is there a bathroom?'.

Asking Questions

Use 'hay' anytime you want to point out the existence of something to someone, just like you would use 'there is' or 'there are' in English.

Pointing Things Out

One of the most common and essential words in Spanish.

Mixing up 'Hay que' and 'Tener que'

The phrase 'hay que' is always followed by the basic, unchanged form of a verb (the infinitive), like 'comer', 'estudiar', or 'trabajar'.

Always Follow with a Basic Verb

Use 'hay que' for rules or needs that apply to everyone, not a specific person. It’s like saying 'it's necessary' in general.

Obligation for Everyone

'Hay que' is a great, gentle way to give advice or make suggestions without pointing a finger at anyone. For example, 'Hay que descansar más' ('One should rest more').

Giving Advice

A very common way to talk about necessity or what needs to be done.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish word 'hay'. Understand how to use it for 'there is/there are' and for obligations with 'hay que', with examples, conjugations, and common mistakes.

hay

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations