existen
eks-EES-ten
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Dicen que las sirenas no existen, pero yo no estoy seguro.
A1They say that mermaids do not exist, but I'm not sure.
En esta ciudad, existen muchos problemas de tráfico.
A2In this city, there are many traffic problems.
Ellos solo existen para hacer daño a los demás.
B1They only exist to harm others.
💡 Grammar Points
Subject Agreement
Since 'existen' is the 'they' form, you must use it when the thing that exists is plural: 'Existen tres libros' (Three books exist).
Existir vs. Hay
'Existen' is used when the subject is specified and agrees with the verb. 'Hay' is a special, fixed form that always means 'there is/are,' regardless of whether the thing is singular or plural: 'Hay tres libros' (There are three books).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Singular and Plural
Mistake: "Existe muchos problemas."
Correction: Existen muchos problemas. ('Problemas' is plural, so the verb must be 'existen'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Common Usage
While 'existen' is grammatically perfect for 'there are,' many native speakers use the impersonal verb 'hay' (there is/are) even when talking about multiple things, especially in quick, conversational speech.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: existen
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'existen'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'existen' always translated as 'they exist'?
Not always. While it literally means 'they exist,' it is often used impersonally, similar to 'there are' in English, especially when followed by a plural noun (e.g., 'Existen dudas' = 'There are doubts').
How is 'existen' different from 'son' (they are)?
'Existen' refers to the state of being real or present. 'Son' (from 'ser') is used to describe permanent qualities, definitions, or identities (e.g., 'Ellos son doctores' - They are doctors).