English–Spanish

“there be” in Spanish

Spanish

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈβeɾ/

Example

En la mesa hay un libro.

There is a book on the table.

Illustration for haber (there be)

How to say “there be” in Spanish

“There be” in Spanish is haber. haber can also mean “there is”.

An impersonal existence marker used without a personal subject.

Full entry for haber: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with haber

Hay de todo en este mercado.

There's all sorts of things in this market.

Tips for using haber

  • Hay que + infinitive expresses general obligation or necessity without a stated subject, which differs from English modal constructions.

Related English words

“there be” in other languages