existen
“existen” means “they exist” in Spanish (as a state of being).
they exist, there are
Also: are found, they are around
📝 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.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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Quick Quiz: existen
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'existen'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *existere*, which literally meant 'to step out' or 'to stand forth,' evolving into the meaning 'to be' or 'to appear.'
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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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).