existir
“existir” means “to exist” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to exist, to be
Also: to be in existence
📝 In Action
No creo que los unicornios realmente existan.
A2I don't think unicorns really exist.
¿Existe algún problema con la conexión a internet?
A1Is there a problem with the internet connection?
Este tipo de flor solo existe en las montañas.
A2This type of flower only exists in the mountains.
to live
Also: to survive
📝 In Action
Ella solo existe para su trabajo; no tiene vida social.
B1She only lives for her work; she has no social life.
En ese pueblo, la gente existe con muy pocos recursos.
B2In that town, people subsist on very few resources.
Existimos en un mundo lleno de contradicciones.
B1We live in a world full of contradictions.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: existir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the special verb form (subjunctive) required when expressing doubt about reality?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The Spanish word 'existir' comes directly from the Latin verb *exsistere*, which meant 'to step forth,' 'to emerge,' or 'to appear.' Over time, this evolved to mean 'to be' or 'to be present' in the world.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'existir' a transitive verb? Can it take a direct object?
No. 'Existir' is an intransitive verb, meaning the action doesn't pass to a direct object. You simply say *what* exists ('El tiempo existe'), you don't 'exist something.'
If 'existir' is a regular verb, why do I see 'exista'?
'Exista' is the conjugation for the special verb form (the subjunctive mood), which is used to talk about wishes, doubts, or emotions. Although the endings change for the subjunctive, the verb stem (exist-) remains completely regular.