existe
/ek-SEES-teh/
it exists
This object is real. It exists. Existe.
existe(Verb)
it exists
?referring to a singular thing being real
he exists
?referring to a male person
,she exists
?referring to a female person
📝 In Action
¿Crees que la magia existe?
A2Do you believe that magic exists?
Ese tipo de animal ya no existe.
B1That type of animal doesn't exist anymore.
El amor verdadero sí existe.
B1True love does exist.
💡 Grammar Points
It's a Verb Form!
'Existe' is the 'he/she/it' form of the verb 'existir' (to exist). You'll most often see it used to talk about a single thing, like 'el problema existe' (the problem exists).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Existence vs. Location
Mistake: "Mi casa existe en esa calle."
Correction: Mi casa está en esa calle. Use 'estar' to say where something is located. Use 'existir' to say that it is real.
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking About Ideas
This word is perfect for talking about concepts and ideas. For example, 'Existe una diferencia entre los dos' (A difference exists between the two).
There is a great tree in the field, emphasizing its presence. Existe.
existe(Verb)
there is
?a more emphatic or formal way to state presence
there exists
?a more literal translation
📝 In Action
Existe una solución para tu problema.
B1There is a solution to your problem.
No existe ninguna razón para estar triste.
B1There is no reason at all to be sad.
En esta ciudad existen muchos museos interesantes.
B2In this city, there are many interesting museums.
💡 Grammar Points
A Stronger 'Hay'
Think of 'existe' as a more formal or emphatic way to say 'hay' (there is/are). 'Hay' just points something out, while 'existe' confirms that it's real or present.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Plural Form
Mistake: "En el mundo, *existe* muchas culturas diferentes."
Correction: En el mundo, *existen* muchas culturas diferentes. Unlike 'hay' (which never changes), 'existir' must match the number of things you're talking about.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to Sound More Formal
Choose 'existe' or 'existen' over 'hay' in writing or in serious discussions to sound more precise. For everyday chat about what's in your fridge, 'hay' is perfect.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: existe
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence is the most natural way to talk about what's in your refrigerator?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'existe' and 'hay'?
The simplest way to think about it is that 'hay' is for everyday use ('there is/are'), and 'existe/existen' is a bit more formal or emphatic. Use 'hay' to say what's in a room. Use 'existe' to say that 'hope exists'.
Why do I see 'existe' and 'existen' but not other forms as much?
Because 'existe' is often used like 'there is' and 'existen' like 'there are', you'll see these third-person forms ('he/she/it' and 'they') most often. You are the one talking *about* something existing, so you're less likely to say 'I exist' ('existo') or 'you exist' ('existes') in normal conversation.
Can I always use 'hay' instead of 'existe'?
In casual conversation, yes, almost always. Using 'hay' is safer if you're unsure. However, learning to use 'existe' will make your Spanish sound more sophisticated, especially in writing or more serious discussions.