vs 

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"There are" is a phrase which is often translated as "hay", and "there were" is a phrase which is often translated as "había". Learn more about the difference between "there are" and "there were" below.
there are(
thehr
 
ar
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. hay
There are many new things I can learn when I go to college.Hay muchas cosas nuevas que puedo aprender cuando vaya a la universidad.
There are mice in the kitchen!¡Hay ratones en la cocina!
a. están
There are the bags over there. What type of bag are you looking for?Allí están los bolsos. ¿Qué tipo de bolso buscas?
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there were(
thehr
 
wuhr
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. había (imperfect)
There were many leaks in the ceiling.Había muchas goteras en el techo.
b. hubo (preterite)
There were a lot of people involved in the wedding.Hubo mucha gente involucrada en la boda.
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