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How to Say "to exist" in Spanish

English → Spanish

existir

/ehk-sees-TEER//eɣ.sisˈtiɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'existir' when you mean to be real, to have objective being, or to be present in a general sense.
A large, solid, smooth grey rock stands alone and centered on a plain white surface, symbolizing reality and presence.

Examples

No creo que los unicornios realmente existan.

I don't think unicorns really exist.

¿Existe algún problema con la conexión a internet?

Is there a problem with the internet connection?

Este tipo de flor solo existe en las montañas.

This type of flower only exists in the mountains.

Existir vs. Haber (Impersonal)

While 'haber' (in the form 'hay') is often used to say 'there is' or 'there are,' 'existir' is used when you want to emphasize the reality or presence of something, especially in more formal or philosophical contexts. It can be conjugated for plural subjects.

Subjunctive Trigger

When talking about things whose existence you doubt or deny, you must use the special verb form (subjunctive). For example: 'Dudo que exista vida en Marte' (I doubt that life exists on Mars).

Confusing Ser and Existir

Mistake: “La vida es en otros planetas.”

Correction: La vida existe en otros planetas. ('Ser' describes what something is; 'existir' confirms that it is real and present.)

vivir

/bee-BEER//biˈβiɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'vivir' specifically when referring to the state of having life or the experience of being alive.
A person standing on a lush green hill with arms outstretched under a bright sun, symbolizing vitality and the act of being alive.

Examples

Mi abuela vivió noventa y ocho años.

My grandmother lived for ninety-eight years.

Los peces viven en el agua.

Fish live in water.

¡Vive y deja vivir!

Live and let live!

A Regular -ir Verb

Good news! 'Vivir' follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir. Once you learn the endings for one, you know them for 'vivir' too.

darse

DAR-seh/ˈdaɾse/

verbB1general
Use 'darse' in the reflexive form ('se da') to indicate that something is found, occurs, or grows in a particular place or under certain conditions.
A colorful rainbow spontaneously appearing in a bright blue sky over a green landscape, symbolizing an event that is happening or occurring.

Examples

Este tipo de flor solo se da en climas fríos.

This type of flower only grows/is found in cold climates.

Si se da la oportunidad, viajaremos.

If the opportunity arises (happens), we will travel.

¿Se da bien la agricultura en esta zona?

Does agriculture do well (yield results) in this area?

Impersonal Use

When used in this sense, 'darse' often uses the 'se' form, focusing on the event or item, not who is doing the action (e.g., 'el caso se da').

Existir vs. Darse

Learners often confuse 'existir' and 'darse' because both can imply presence. Remember that 'existir' is about whether something is real or present in general, while 'darse' (reflexive) is about where or under what conditions something is found or occurs.

Related Translations

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