Using hay = there is / there are in Spanish

Written by qualified Spanish expert Inma Sánchez BA
Last updated: 2024-02-19
Add to Notebook21 questions

"There is/There are" in Spanish

In Spanish we use hay to say there is or there are. Read and listen to these examples:

Hoy hay muchas olas en el mar.Today there are many waves in the sea.

Hay muchas cometas en el cielo.There are many kites [alt: comets] in the sky.

En el campo hay muchas flores.In the field there are many flowers.

Hay mucha leche en la nevera.There is a lot of milk in the fridge.


In Spanish, you use hay whether it is followed by one item or many, unlike in English.
GRAMMAR: Hay is an impersonal form that comes from the third person of the verb haber in El Presente, literally meaning, it has.

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Examples and resources

En el campo hay muchas flores.In the field there are many flowers.
Hoy hay muchas olas en el mar.Today there are many waves in the sea.
Hay una piscina en mi vecindario.There is a swimming pool in my neighbourhood.
Hay mucha leche en la nevera.There is a lot of milk in the fridge.
Hay un pájaro en mi ventana.There is a bird in my window.
Hay muchas cometas en el cielo.There are many kites [alt: comets] in the sky.
I'll be right with you...