hay
/ˈai/
The English phrase 'there are' is translated into Spanish as hay.
Hay is used to express that something exists or is present in a particular place. While it expresses existence, do not use it to express the location of a specific subject. For stating where a specific subject is located, you would use estar instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form hay is used for both singular and plural subjects, meaning it does not change whether you are saying 'there is' or 'there are'. To express the negative 'there are no' or 'there isn't any', simply place no before the word, creating no hay.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈai/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- No hay zorros aquí.There are no foxes here.This sentence shows how to use hay to express the absence of something.Tatoeba #9466242 by ignacio, translation #9461587 by CK
- Hay mucho que hacer.There are lots of things to do.This sentence demonstrates the use of hay to indicate the existence of many things to do.Tatoeba #1780970 by marcelostockle, translation #3256293 by CK
- No hay trabajo aquí.There are no jobs here.This sentence shows how to use no hay to say there are no jobs.Tatoeba #5022875 by don_ramon, translation #5013008 by CK
- Hay un libro en la mesa.There is a book on the table.
- Hay muchas personas en la conferencia.There are many people at the conference.
- En la ciudad, existen muchos parques.In the city, there are many parks.
- Existen varias opciones disponibles.There are several options available.
- En el museo, se encuentran valiosas pinturas.In the museum, there are valuable paintings.
- Se encuentran muchos turistas en la plaza.There are many tourists in the square.
- Hay un perro en el jardín.There is a dog in the garden.
- Hay algunas cervezas en la nevera.There are some beers in the fridge.
- No hay leche en la nevera.There is no milk in the fridge.
- 904 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are looking inside a refrigerator.
- Elena¿Hay leche en la nevera?Is there any milk in the fridge?
- DanielNo, no hay leche, Daniel.No, there isn't any milk, Daniel.
- ElenaPero hay huevos y queso.But there are eggs and cheese.
- DanielEntonces necesitamos ir al súper.Then we need to go to the supermarket.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hay, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
