Spanish Verb - Hay

In this learn Spanish grammar lesson, we go over the Spanish verb Haber, specifically its conjugated form: Hay (the present tense conjugation of the verb Haber), which indicates the existence of a person or things. In other words, "Hay" means both "there is" and "there are."

In Spanish Hay (the present tense conjugation of the verb Haber) indicates the existence of a person or things.

It is used with one item or several without changing its form.

Hay = there is / there are.

Examples:
Hay muchos libros en la biblioteca.
There are many books in the library.

Hay un libro encima de la mesa.
There is a book on the table.

When used in questions, "hay" has two different meanings:
Is there?
Are there?

Ejemplos: ¿Hay un hotel en el centro?
Is there a hotel downtown?

¿Hay algunos libros por aquí?
Are there any books around here?

The verb form "hay" can also be used to answer questions.
¿Hay un hotel en el centro?
Is there a hotel downtown?

Sí. Sí hay.
Yes. Yes there is.

¿Hay algunos libros por aquí?
Are there any books around here?

No. No hay.
No. No there aren't.

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