est
[ˈɛst]
The Latin phrase for "there is" is est.
est is used to state that something exists or is located in a particular place. Depending on the context, it can mean both "he/she/it is" and "there is".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Latin, est can be used to indicate location, often paired with a preposition such as in to show where an object is. If you need to say "there are" for multiple items, use the plural form sunt.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word est can be a completely different word from the verb 'to be'. It is a homonym of the verb from 'edō', which means 'to eat'.
- Ancient Romans often omitted est entirely in a sentence when the meaning was clear. This creates a style where the verb 'to be' is implied rather than spoken.
Examples in context
- Est puella in vīllā.There is a girl in the villa.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say "there is" regarding a girl in a villa using est.
- Mus sub lecto est.There is a mouse under the bed.This sentence demonstrates how to state there is a mouse using est.Tatoeba #10734938 by carlosalberto, translation #10734933 by carlosalberto
- Est domus in colle.There is a house on the hill.This sentence shows how to use est to say there is a house on a hill.Tatoeba #7070045 by alexmarcelo, translation #19876 by CK
- Sunt magistri in schola.There are teachers in the school.
- Ecce! Rosa in horto.Look! There is a rose in the garden.
- Est domus in via.There is a house on the street.
- Est libellus in manu mea.There is a book in my hand.
- 158 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Quintus are in the garden.
- LuciaEst canis in hortō.There is a dog in the garden.
- QuintusUbi est canis?Where is the dog?
- LuciaEst sub arbore.He is under the tree.
- QuintusVidetur canis laetus.The dog looks happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry est, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
