Hay vs está / están
Use hay to say that something exists, and use está or están to say where a specific thing is.
Examples
SpanishTranslation
Hay una farmacia aquí, pero está cerrada.
There is a pharmacy here, but it is closed.
Hay dos mesas libres.
There are two free tables.
Mi bolso está en la silla.
My bag is on the chair.
Pattern
hay + noun / estar + location or state
How it works
Use hay to say that something exists, and use está or están to say where a specific thing is. This pattern typically appears as hay + noun / estar + location or state and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- Hay introduces something as existing or available.
- Estar usually refers to something already identified and places it somewhere.
Why it matters
Start with the verbs and agreement patterns that appear everywhere in beginner Spanish.
Use in context
This is a high-value early contrast because beginners constantly need to describe both existence and location.