Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
Hay y Está (There is/are): Describing Locations
Review the uses of 'hay' (there is/are) and 'está' (it is located) to describe places and objects.
What you'll learn
- Identify and differentiate between the uses of 'hay' and 'está/están' in 8 out of 10 sentences describing the location of people and objects in a given context.
- Construct 5 original sentences using 'hay' and 'está/están' accurately to describe the location of items in a classroom setting, demonstrating correct subject-verb agreement and adjective placement.
- Translate 3 short paragraphs from English to Spanish, accurately using 'hay' and 'está/están' to describe the locations of multiple items and people, with no more than 2 errors per paragraph.
- Explain, in writing, the grammatical rules governing the use of 'hay' versus 'está/están' when describing location, providing at least 3 distinct examples for each verb with correct usage.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between the use of 'hay' for existence and 'está/están' for the location of specific nouns.
Construct sentences using 'hay' with indefinite articles (un, una) and numbers to describe what exists in a place.
Construct sentences using 'está/están' with definite articles (el, la) and specific nouns to identify the precise location of an object or place.
Accurately formulate questions using '¿Qué hay en...?' and '¿Dónde está/están...?'.
Integrate prepositions of place (e.g., al lado de, cerca de, enfrente de) with 'está/están' to provide detailed descriptions.
Combine 'hay' and 'está' in complex sentences to create a comprehensive description of a room, house...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
HayAn impersonal verb form (from 'haber') used to express the existence of something. It is invariable, meaning it doesn't change for singular or plural nouns. It translates to 'there is' or 'there are'.En mi barrio, hay dos supermercados y hay un parque. (In my neighborhood, there are two supermarkets and there is a park.)
Está / EstánConjugated forms of the verb 'estar' used to express the location of a specific, known person, place, or thing. 'Está' is used for singular nouns, and 'están' is for plural nouns.La escuela está cerca de mi casa. Los parques están lejos. (The school is near my house. The parks are far.)
Existencia vs. Ubicación (Existence vs. Location)The core concept differentiating ...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
The 'Hay' Formula (Existence)
Hay + [un/una/unos/unas/número] + Noun + (optional location phrase)
Use this pattern to state that something exists. 'Hay' is always followed by an indefinite article, a number, or a quantifier (like 'muchos'), but never a definite article ('el', 'la').
The 'Está/Están' Formula (Specific Location)
[El/La/Los/Las/Mi/Tu/etc.] + Noun + está/están + Preposition of Place + Reference Point
Use this pattern to pinpoint the location of a specific noun. The sentence must start with a definite article or a possessive adjective to identify the specific item. Choose 'está' for singular nouns and 'están' for plural nouns.
Question Formation Rule
¿Qué hay en [lugar]? vs. ¿Dó...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
Which sentence correctly uses the subjunctive mood to express doubt about the existence of something?
A.Dudo que está un cine en este pueblo.
B.Dudo que haya un cine en este pueblo.
C.Dudo que es un cine en este pueblo.
D.Dudo que hay un cine en este pueblo.
Challenging
Your friend is not sure if there are any good cafes in a new neighborhood. Which question expresses this doubt correctly?
A.¿Crees que haya una buena cafetería por aquí?
B.¿Crees que hay una buena cafetería por aquí?
C.¿Crees que está una buena cafetería por aquí?
D.¿Crees que es una buena cafetería por aquí?
Challenging
Analyze the dialogue. Who is making a grammatical error? | Ana: '¿Qué hay en la nueva plaza?' | Marco: 'Hay muchas tiendas y un restaurante.' | Ana: 'Excelente. ¿Y dónde hay el restaurante japonés?' | Marco: 'Está al lado del cine.'
A.Marco, in his first response.
B.Ana, in her first question.
C.Ana, in her second question.
D.Marco, in his second response.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Hay y Está (There is/are): Describing Locations"?
Hay y Está (There is/are): Describing Locations is a Grade 9 Spanish lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Hay y Está (There is/are): Describing Locations?
You'll be able to: Identify and differentiate between the uses of 'hay' and 'está/están' in 8 out of 10 sentences describing the location of people and objects in a given context; Construct 5 original sentences using 'hay' and 'está/están'….
Is "Hay y Está (There is/are): Describing Locations" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Hay y Está (There is/are): Describing Locations?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.