Hay vs Quedan

Question

Hola! I have a quick question for all of you...if I want to say "there are", when do I use "hay" vs "quedan"? I'm having a hard time finding anything that explains the distinction. Are they interchangeable?

Answer 1

There are certain situations when these two words may appear to have the same meaning in English but the nuance in Spanish sets them apart, ie: Nos quedan sólo cien pesos (there are / we have only a hundred pesos left / remaining) ... Quedan / faltan cinco minutos para las ocho (it´s five minutes before eight).

In the first example hay could be used, but the wording would have to different, ie: Hay sólo cien pesos entre nosotros, but this doesn´t necessarily have the nuance of money remaining.

If hay were used in the second example it would be grammatically correct, but without the nuance of remaining, and it would sound very strange.

Just got back on line and so happy that you also answered with more information about quedar and faltar. - Jubilado, Jan 3, 2015

Answer 2

They are not interchangeable.

Hay means there is or there are and is an impersonal use of the verb haber.

Quedar can mean to remain, to be left. See this dictionary entry for quedar:

wordreference.com

Oh I guess I should have posted my response as a comment to you...my bad! Thanks so much for your help! - belc0011, Jan 2, 2015

Answer 3

Oh I see that makes sense, muchas gracias! The translator I used translated both as "there are" for some reason. Thanks again!

You're Welcome. Best of success in your studies! - Jubilado, Jan 2, 2015