How to Say “There Is/There Are” in Spanish: A Beginner’s Guide


One of the first things you learn in any language is how to describe what exists around you. In Spanish, expressing “there is” and “there are” is a fundamental skill that opens the door to describing people, objects, places, and situations.

In this guide, we’ll break down the grammar, usage, and examples of “there is” (hay) and “there are” (hay) in Spanish, so you can use them naturally in conversation.

The Basics: “Hay” = There Is / There Are

In Spanish, the verb hay is used for both singular and plural nouns. This makes it simpler than English because you don’t need a separate word for “there is” versus “there are.”

Examples:

  1. Singular (There is):

  • Hay un libro en la mesa.

  • Translation: There is a book on the table.

  1. Plural (There are):

  • Hay tres sillas en la sala.

  • Translation: There are three chairs in the living room.

Tip: The form of hay never changes—it’s always the same, regardless of singular or plural nouns.

When to Use “Hay”

  1. Describing what exists somewhere:

  • Hay una tienda cerca de aquí. → There is a store nearby.

  • Hay muchas personas en el parque. → There are many people in the park.

  1. Talking about availability or quantity:

  • ¿Hay pan en la cocina? → Is there any bread in the kitchen?

  • No hay leche en el refrigerador. → There isn’t any milk in the fridge.

  1. Asking questions about existence:

  • ¿Hay algún problema? → Is there a problem?

  • ¿Hay libros interesantes en la biblioteca? → Are there interesting books in the library?

Negative Sentences: “There isn’t / There aren’t”

To say “there isn’t” or “there aren’t”, simply put no before hay:

  • No hay agua en el vaso. → There isn’t any water in the glass.

  • No hay coches en la calle. → There aren’t any cars on the street.

Tip: Remember, no always comes before hay to form the negative.

Common Expressions Using “Hay”

  • Hay que… → It’s necessary to… / One must…

    • Hay que estudiar para el examen. → You need to study for the exam.

  • No hay de qué. → You’re welcome / Don’t mention it.

  • Hay veces que… → There are times when…

    • Hay veces que me siento cansado. → There are times when I feel tired.

These phrases are used frequently in everyday Spanish, so learning them helps you sound more natural.

Quick Tips for English Speakers

  • Singular or plural doesn’t change “hay.” Just pay attention to the noun that follows.

  • Use “no hay” to express negatives clearly.

  • Combine with numbers or quantities to give detailed information:

    • Hay cinco estudiantes en la clase. → There are five students in the class.

Practice Examples

  1. Hay una computadora en la oficina. → There is a computer in the office.

  2. Hay cinco ventanas en esta habitación. → There are five windows in this room.

  3. No hay tiempo para descansar. → There isn’t time to rest.

  4. Hay que lavar los platos después de comer. → We need to wash the dishes after eating.

Try making your own sentences about your room, your city, or your daily routine!

Final Thoughts

Mastering “hay” is a key step for beginners learning Spanish. Once you’re comfortable using it, you’ll be able to describe your surroundings, ask questions, and communicate effectively about what exists in your world.

Practice with real-life objects, ask questions in Spanish, and start noticing how often native speakers use hay in daily conversation—it’s everywhere!