The Uses Of “Hay” In Spanish

How do you say “there is” or “there are” in Spanish?  A beginner might think the verbs ser or estar are involved, but this is incorrect.  In Spanish, the auxiliary verb haber is used instead.  Specifically, the present indicative form of the verb is used:  hay.  This same form is used regardless of number, so it means both “there is” and “there are.”  For example:

“Hay un auto.”

and

“Hay does autos.”

are both correct.

The same form is also used when asking questions.  In the case of a question, the question ¿Hay? means both “Is there?” and “Are there?”  Just as above, the sentences

“¿Hay un auto?”

and

“¿Hay dos autos?”

are both correct, translated as “Is there a car?” and “Are there two cars?” respectively.