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"Hay" is a form of "hay", an impersonal verb which is often translated as "there is". "Existir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to exist". Learn more about the difference between "existir" and "hay" below.
existir(
ehk
-
sees
-
teer
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to exist
Mi hermanito todavía cree que existe el Coco.My little brother still believes the Boogeyman exists.
a. to be
Existen varios volcanes activos en Hawaii.There are several active volcanoes in Hawaii.
b. to exist
No existe suficiente apoyo para que el movimiento continúe.Not enough support exists for the movement to continue.
a. to live
Los tardígrados pueden existir hasta en el espacio profundo.Tardigrades can live even in deep space.
b. to exist
El tigre de Tasmania ya no existe.The Tasmanian tiger no longer exists.
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hay(
ay
)
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
impersonal verb
a. there is
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
(singular)
Hay un problema con el nuevo modelo del celular.There is a problem with the new model of the cell phone.
b. there are
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
(plural)
Hay papas si quieres picar algo.There are chips if you want to snack on something.
a. is there
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
(singular)
¿Hay un parque por aquí?Is there a park around here?
b. are there
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
(plural)
¿Hay pimientos en la nevera?Are there any peppers in the fridge?
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