Language/Catalan/Grammar/How-to-say-"there-is"-in-Catalan
"There is" is a commonly used phrase in English to indicate the existence of something. In Catalan, "there is" is translated as "hi ha." In this lesson, we will explore how to use "hi ha" correctly in Catalan.
Formation of "Hi Ha"[edit | edit source]
"Hi ha" is formed by combining the adverb "hi" (there) with the verb "haver" (to have) in the third person singular. For example:
- Hi ha moltes persones al parc. (There are many people in the park.)
- Hi ha un llibre a la taula. (There is a book on the table.)
Usage of "Hi Ha"[edit | edit source]
"Hi ha" is used in Catalan to indicate the existence or presence of something. It can be used with both singular and plural nouns. For example:
- Hi ha una festa a la plaça. (There is a party in the square.)
- Hi ha moltes flors al jardí. (There are many flowers in the garden.)
- Hi ha molta gent a la platja. (There are many people at the beach.)
In Catalan, the verb "haver" is often omitted when using "hi ha" in the present tense. For example:
- Hi ha un problema. (There is a problem.)
- Hi ha un restaurant a prop. (There is a restaurant nearby.)
Present tense[edit | edit source]
| CATALAN | ENGLISH |
|---|---|
| HI HA UN COTXE | THERE IS A CAR |
| HI HA ALGUNS COTXES | THERE ARE SOME CARS |
| NO HI HA UN COTXE | THERE IS NOT A CAR |
| NO HI HA ALGUNS COTXES | THERE ARE NOT SOME CARS |
Past Tense[edit | edit source]
| CATALAN | ENGLISH |
|---|---|
| HI HAVIA UN COTXE | THERE WAS A CAR |
| HI HAVIA ALGUNS COTXES | THERE WERE SOME CARS |
| NO HI HAVIA UN COTXE | THERE WAS NOT A CAR |
| NO HI HAVIA ALGUNS COTXES | THERE WERE NOT SOME CARS |
Future tense[edit | edit source]
| CATALAN | ENGLISH |
|---|---|
| HI HAURÀ UN COTXE | THERE WILL BE A CAR |
| HI HAURÀ ALGUNS COTXES | THERE WILL BE SOME CARS |
| NO HI HAURÀ UN COTXE | THERE WILL NOT BE A CAR |
| NO HI HAURÀ ALGUNS COTXES | THERE WILL NOT BE SOME CARS |
Examples[edit | edit source]
- Aquí hi ha aigua
There is water here
- Aquí hi ha un gos
There is a dog here
- Hi ha algú aquí
There is someone here
- Hi ha llet
There is milk
- Hi ha mantega
There is butter
- Hi ha menjar
There is food
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
"Hi ha" is the correct translation of "there is" in Catalan. By learning how to use "hi ha" correctly, you can improve your Catalan language skills and communicate more effectively with native speakers.