Existen

Existen is the third-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb existir, meaning to exist. It is used to state that multiple entities or subjects have existence or presence in a given context.

Etymology and meaning: Existere, a Latin verb meaning “to stand out” or “to stand forth,” gave rise to the Spanish existir. The form existen specifically agrees with plural subjects such as “ellos” or “ellas” and contrasts with existencia (existence) as a noun or with existe (he/she/it exists).

Usage and nuance: Existen is common in statements that affirm the existence of several items, people, or concepts. For example: «Existen dos soluciones posibles» (There exist two possible solutions). It can emphasize plurality or facts that are not limited to a single instance. Existen is often used alongside or instead of hay when the speaker wants to highlight the existence of multiple elements. Negative and interrogative forms follow regular patterns: «No existen pruebas» (There are no proofs), «¿Existen dificultades?» (Are there difficulties?).

Grammatical notes: Existen agrees in number with its subject. For singular reference, you use existe. Other tenses of existir—existió, existieron, existía, existiré, etc.—are formed regularly, and the present subjunctive form is existan. In many contexts, hay remains a common alternative for introducing existence, especially with indefinite or uncountable subjects.

See also: existir, existencia, hay (existence), Spanish grammar.