When to use Hay and when to use Esta?

Question

When to use 'hay' and when to use 'esta'?

Answer 1

These are the differences for Estar and Haber"

A. Haber, (Hay, Habrá, etc.)

This usually indicates existence (as in, there exists apples in the fridge) E.g. Hay manzanas en la nevera. Hay gente en la calle.

that is to say: The main idea, or context of the sentences using "hay" is to indicate existence of objects, people, and the like.

B. Estar (Está, Estoy, etc.)

This verb is used in constructs to denote position, location, etc.

Eg. Estoy aquí. (I'm here.) Está allá la jefa. (There is the boss.) (Or the boss is right there.) Está allá el sol. (There is the sun.)

As opposed to using "Hay", the sentences that uses "Estar" gives the nuance of pointing to where an object exists, or is currently located. (Whereas "Hay" emphasizes the existence or availability of such objects with no real importance given to where they are actually placed.)

Analyze the following dialogue:

Usage of Hay. - ¿Hay comida en la mesa? - Si - No me importa si está en la mesa, o en la nevera, o cualquier parte. ¡Tengo hambre? - Pues, ¡ya come!

• (The person asks simply if there is food.)

Usage of estar vs. hay, in the same setting. - ¿Hay comida? - Si - ¿Dónde está?, No la encuentro. - Está en la nevera, calentalo si quieres.

• (The person asks if there is food, and where EXACTLY is the food at.)

Answer 2

If you would say "there is" or "there are" in English, you can use 'hay'. (In my opinion it's one of the all-time most useful words in the language) If you just need to say "is", use ser or estar.

Answer 3

Valerie's answer is the same one I would give.

I can add that "hay" is the verb "haber", a very useful word in español.

Hay algunoes ejemplos en nuestro diccionario:

• hay -> there is/are
• hay mucha gente en la calle -> there are a lot of people in the street
• había/hubo muchos problemas -> there were many problems
• habrá dos mil -> there will be two thousand; (expresa futuro) there must be two thousand (expresa hipótesis)
• es un artista donde los haya -> he's as good an artist as you'll find
• hay quien dice… -> some people say…