Spanish for English Speakers: Episode 11 - The Verb Form "hay"

¡Hola amigos de Steemit!

What's a verb?

A verb is a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence. Verbs change form depending on who is doing the action, and when they are doing it. For example: She eats an apple./They ate an apple./We will eat an apple. (So the verb is "to eat".) More on verbs later.

"Hay", from the Spanish verb "haber", has two meanings.

"Hay" can mean either there is or there are. For example:

Hay muchas personas en mi familia. - There are many people in my family.

¡Hay una serpiente en mi bota! - There's a snake in my boot! (Nod to Toy Story.)

"Hay" is very versatile - it can also be used in questions!

In questions, "hay" can mean Is there ...? or Are there ...? The words stay in the same order as a statement, but you should raise your voice at the end to indicate a question.

¿Hay algunos perros? - Are there any dogs?

¿Hay un libro que puedo leer, por favor? - Is there a book that I can read, please?

And finally ...

"Hay" saves the day yet again, because you can use it to answer "hay" questions!

¿Hay un museo en esta región? - Is there a museum in this region?

Sí. Sí hay. - Yes. Yes there is.

No. No hay. - No. No there isn't.

Wow, what a great verb! You pretty much know everything about Spanish now!! It's a good idea to write down these verbs as we go so as not to forget them, and you'll soon have built up quite a collection! Flashcards are ideal.

- The Loopy Linguist