Both patterns can mention a place, but the speaker’s focus differs.
The idea
Use hay to introduce existence, often with un or dos; use está or están to locate a specific identifiable referent.
Examples
- Hay una farmacia en esta calle.There is a pharmacy on this street.
- La farmacia está junto al banco.The pharmacy is next to the bank.
- Hay dos libros en la mesa.There are two books on the table.
- Los libros están en la mesa.The books are on the table.
- ¿Hay una parada cerca?Is there a stop nearby?
- ¿Dónde está la parada?Where is the stop?
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Watch out
Hay can also include a location, as in hay dos libros en la mesa; the difference is not simply whether a place appears.
Try it yourself
Introduce the existence of a pharmacy. ___ una farmacia en esta calle. (Hay / Está)
Show answer or example answer
Hay
Hay introduces the existence of a pharmacy.
Locate the identified pharmacy. La farmacia ___ junto al banco. (está / hay)
Show answer or example answer
está
Está locates the identified pharmacy.
Ask whether a stop exists nearby. ¿___ una parada cerca? (Hay / Está)
Show answer or example answer
Hay
Hay asks whether a stop exists nearby.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Introduce the existence of a pharmacy. ___ una farmacia en esta calle. (Hay / Está)
Locate the identified pharmacy. La farmacia ___ junto al banco. (está / hay)
Ask whether a stop exists nearby. ¿___ una parada cerca? (Hay / Está)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Introduce a nearby place with hay, then locate that particular place using está.