What does it mean word for word?
The word hay is a single word derived from the verb haber and it translates to both "there is" and "there are".
Which one should you use?
While hay 21 países is the standard way to state the number, Existen 21 países can be used to emphasize the existence of the countries and Se encuentran 21 países can be used to imply their geographical placement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, one way to say "there are 21 countries" is Hay 21 países. In Argentina, one way to say "there are 21 countries" is Existen 21 países. In Mexico, one way to say "there are 21 countries" is Se encuentran 21 países.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying han 21 países. English speakers often mistakenly use han (the third-person plural of haber) instead of hay when trying to say "there are".
Did you know?
- The word país comes from the Latin pagus, referring to a rural district. This connects the word for 'country' to the English word 'pagan', which originally described people from the countryside.
- The Spanish hay is a linguistic cousin to the French il y a. Both expressions combine a form of the verb 'to have' with a word meaning 'there' to express existence.
- While English uses 'there are' for plural nouns, the Spanish word hay is actually an invariable form. It stays the same whether you are saying 'there is one' or 'there are 21'.
Examples in context
- Hay 21 países en América Latina.There are 21 countries in Latin America
- Hay 21 países en el continente europeo.There are 21 countries in the European continent
- Hay 21 hermosos países.There are 21 beautiful countries
- Hay 21 fascinantes países por ahí.There are 21 fascinating countries out there
- En Europa hay 21 países.In Europe there are 21 countries.
- En esta región hay 21 países.In this region, there are 21 countries.
- Sabías que hay 21 países en el grupo?Did you know there are 21 countries in the group?
- Hay 21 países que participan en el torneo.There are 21 countries participating in the tournament.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a geography textbook.
- Lucía¿Cuántos países hay en este libro?How many countries are in this book?
- JavierHay 21 países en total.There are 21 countries in total.
- Lucía¡Es un número muy alto, Javier!That is a very high number, Javier!
- JavierSí, la lista es bastante larga.Yes, the list is quite long.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hay, CC BY-SA 4.0.
