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QUICK ANSWER
"There is" is a phrase which is often translated as "hay", and "exist" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "existir". Learn more about the difference between "there is" and "exist" below.
there is(
thehr
ihz
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
exist(
ehg
-
zihst
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to be real)
a. existir
The largest animal known to exist is the blue whale.El animal más grande conocido que existe es la ballena azul.
2. (to subsist)
a. subsistir
It is difficult for a single mother to exist on the minimum wage.Es difícil para una madre soltera subsistir con el salario mínimo.
b. sobrevivir
They existed on spaghetti, beans, and tuna when they were college students.Sobrevivieron a base de espagueti, frijoles y atún cuando eran estudiantes universitarios.
c. vivir
Ever since Sebastian became ill, he exists only on a liquid diet.Desde que enfermó Sebastián, vive solo a base de dieta de líquidos.
