How to conjugate and use the verb haber in Spanish

Conjugation of haber

The verb haber is highly versatile in Spanish and has two main uses:

1. As an auxiliary verb for forming compound tenses, such as the present perfect.
   Example: He hablado. (I have spoken.)

2. As an impersonal verb to indicate existence, often translated as "there is" or "there are."
   Example: Hay un libro en la mesa. (There is a book on the table.)

Conjugation of haber in the present tense:

Special case: Hay

• The 3rd person singular form hay is used impersonal to mean "there is" or "there are."
  Example: Hay muchas personas en la calle. (There are many people on the street.)

Examples of usage

1. As an auxiliary verb:

   • Yo he terminado mi tarea. (I have finished my homework.)
   • Tú has leído este libro. (You have read this book.)

2. As an impersonal verb:

   • Hay un gato en la casa. (There is a cat in the house.)
   • Hay muchos coches en la calle. (There are many cars on the street.)

Important:

• When used as an auxiliary verb, haber must be followed by the past participle of the main verb.
  Example: He comido. (I have eaten.)

• When used impersonally (hay), it is invariable regardless of whether the noun is singular or plural.
  Example: Hay un problema. (There is a problem.) / Hay dos problemas. (There are two problems.)

Conjugation practice

Because haber is mostly used as an auxiliary verb, we'll do the conjugation exercises like that as well. Therefore, these conjugation exercises will be slightly different than others in the course.

Learn Spanish for free