Hay (en. There is)
/ai/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishSpanish
verb
Indicates the existence of something in a specific place.
There is a book on the table.
En la mesa hay un libro.
It is used to express the quantity of something that exists.
There are many fruits in the fridge.
En la nevera hay muchas frutas.
It serves to introduce the existence of objects or people in a conversation.
There are a lot of people at the party.
En la fiesta hay mucha gente.
Etymology
From Latin habēre.
Common Phrases and Expressions
one must
expresses the need to do something.
hay que
no need to mention it
indicates that it is not necessary to give thanks.
no hay de qué
there is a reason
used to introduce a justification.
hay una razón
Related Words
to have
verb that indicates the existence or the action of possessing.
haber
exists
indicates that something has reality.
existe
Slang Meanings
It is used to indicate that something is present in a colloquial conversation.
There is a good vibe among friends.
Aquí hay buen rollo entre los amigos.
It is used in informal situations to emphasize quantity.
There is a ton of food on the table!
¡Hay un montón de comida en la mesa!