Hay vs tener: “there is” is not “have”
English uses “have” and “there is/are” in different structures, and Spanish keeps that distinction too. Hay introduces the existence or presence of something. Tener expresses possession and several common personal states.
Use hay for existence
Hay un café cerca. — There is a café nearby.
Hay muchas personas aquí. — There are many people here.
No hay tiempo. — There is no time.
Hay muchas personas aquí. — There are many people here.
No hay tiempo. — There is no time.
Hay does not change between singular and plural in these examples.
Use tener for possession and personal expressions
Tengo un coche. — I have a car.
Tenemos hambre. — We are hungry.
Ella tiene veinte años. — She is twenty years old.
Tenemos hambre. — We are hungry.
Ella tiene veinte años. — She is twenty years old.
Expressions such as age, hunger and thirst use tener in Spanish even though English may use “be”.
Quick check
Complete: ___ un café cerca.
Review Spanish structures through complete sentences.
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