Learn the key differences between "haber" and "estar" in Spanish, focusing on when to use indefinite articles with "hay" for existence and definite articles with "estar" for location or condition. This lesson offers clear examples and explanations suitable for A1 learners to understand these essential verbs and their practical application.
- "Hay" indicates existence with "un, una" or without an article.
- "Estar" indicates location or condition with "el, la, los, las".
| Verbo (Verb) | Ejemplo (Example) | |
|---|---|---|
| Objeto o lugar no especificado (Unspecified object or place) | Hay | Hay un armario en la habitación. (There is a wardrobe in the room.) |
| Hay dos sillas en el salón. (There are two chairs in the living room.) | ||
| Hay lámparas en tu habitación. (There are lamps in your room.) | ||
| Objeto o lugar específico (Specific object or place) | Estar | La cómoda está al lado de la cama. (The chest of drawers is next to the bed.) |
| El lavabo está en el baño. (The sink is in the bathroom.) | ||
| Los escritorios están cerca de la ventana. (The desks are are near the window.) |
Exceptions!
- "Hay" always has the same form in the present, while "estar" is conjugated.
Exercise 1: "Haber" vs "Estar" : artículo indeterminado vs determinado
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
hay un, está, están, Hay unas, Hay una, Hay, Hay un
1.
El armario ... en el dormitorio.
(The wardrobe is in the bedroom.)
2.
Las ventanas ... en la cocina.
(The windows are in the kitchen.)
3.
Allí ... armario .
(There is a wardrobe there.)
4.
La puerta ... aquí.
(The door is here.)
5.
... muebles nuevos en mi casa.
(There are new pieces of furniture in my house.)
6.
... lámparas en el pasillo.
(There are some lamps in the corridor.)
7.
... estantería con muchos libros en el salón.
(There is a shelf with lots of books in the living room.)
8.
... lavabo nuevo en el baño.
(There is a new sink in the bathroom.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct solution
1. ___ una lámpara encima de la mesa del comedor.
(___ a lamp on top of the dining table.)2. El sofá ___ al lado de la ventana en el salón.
(The sofa ___ next to the window in the living room.)3. ___ dos sillas cerca de la mesa de la cocina.
(___ two chairs near the kitchen table.)4. La cama ___ en el dormitorio, junto a la puerta.
(The bed ___ in the bedroom, next to the door.)5. ___ un armario grande en la alacena de la casa.
(___ a large wardrobe in the pantry of the house.)6. El lavabo ___ dentro del baño, al lado de la ducha.
(The sink ___ inside the bathroom, next to the shower.)