hay
/eye/
Just like this image shows 'there is an apple,' the word 'hay' points out that something exists.
hay (Verb)
📝 In Action
Hay un libro en la mesa.
A1There is a book on the table.
Hay muchas personas en el parque.
A1There are many people in the park.
¿Hay leche en la nevera?
A1Is there milk in the fridge?
Antes no había internet en las casas.
A2Before, there wasn't internet in homes.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
💡 Grammar Points
One Form Fits All
'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!
Asking Questions
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?'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Son' or 'Están' for Existence
Mistake: "To say 'There are three books,' a common mistake is saying 'Son tres libros.'"
Correction: The correct way is 'Hay tres libros.' Use 'hay' to say that something exists. Use 'son' or 'están' to describe things or say where they are located.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pointing Things Out
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.
The phrase 'hay que' points to a task that needs to be done by someone, like 'one must study.'
hay (Verb Phrase)
📝 In Action
Hay que estudiar para el examen.
A2One must study for the exam.
Hay que comprar más pan.
A2It's necessary to buy more bread.
Para viajar, hay que tener un pasaporte.
B1To travel, you have to have a passport.
Hubo que empezar de cero.
B2It was necessary to start from scratch.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Follow with a Basic Verb
The phrase 'hay que' is always followed by the basic, unchanged form of a verb (the infinitive), like 'comer', 'estudiar', or 'trabajar'.
Obligation for Everyone
Use 'hay que' for rules or needs that apply to everyone, not a specific person. It’s like saying 'it's necessary' in general.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'Hay que' and 'Tener que'
Mistake: "Using 'Hay que' when you mean a specific person has to do something."
Correction: Use 'hay que' for general obligations ('Hay que ser paciente' - 'One must be patient'). Use 'tener que' for personal obligations ('Yo tengo que ser paciente' - 'I have to be patient').
⭐ Usage Tips
Giving Advice
'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').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hay
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly says 'There are two chairs'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't 'hay' change for plural? Why not 'han'?
Think of 'hay' as a special, fixed word that means 'existence'. It's what we call an 'impersonal' verb form, meaning it doesn't attach to a specific person or number. It simply states a fact: something exists. This makes it easy—you only have to remember one word for both 'there is' and 'there are'!
What's the difference between 'hay' and 'está'/'están'?
It's a great question! Use 'hay' to introduce something for the first time or to say it exists. For example, 'Hay un gato en el jardín' (There is a cat in the garden). Once you've established the cat exists, you use 'está' to talk about its location: 'El gato está debajo del árbol' (The cat is under the tree).
Can I use 'hay' for the past and future?
Yes! While 'hay' is for the present, it has other forms for different times. For the past, you'll most often use 'había' (there was/were, for descriptions) or 'hubo' (there was/were, for a specific event). For the future, you'll use 'habrá' (there will be).