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As in English, there are compound tenses in Spanish. In this grammatical form, there are three auxiliaries: “haber”, “ser” and “estar”.

These auxiliaries are also found in periphrases. It is important to know the meaning of each verb and the difference between them in order to use them properly.

So, we will see the different characteristics of these three auxiliaries.

The auxiliary “haber”

“Haber” is primarily a verb meaning “to have”. Just as in English, we can use it in a compound tense as an auxiliary.

• He comido. (I ate.)

It should be noted that the participle of the compound tenses is invariable in Spanish. Also, it cannot be separated from the auxiliary “haber” by another word.

• Gracias por este curso, lo he entendido muy bien et non Gracias por este curso, lo he muy bien entendido.

On the other hand, “haber” is also used in periphrases. In this structure, this verb has a sense of obligation. It can be written in this way: Hay + que + infinitive.

• Hay que trabajar para viajar.

It can also be conjugated in all singular and plural persons. In this case, we choose to write it as follows: Haber (conjugated) + de + infinitive.

• He de trabajar para viajar.

The auxiliary “ser”

Regarding the auxiliary “ser”, which means “to be”, it is only used in the passive form.

• Ayer fui al parque para caminar un poco.

The auxiliary “estar”

The auxiliary “estar”, although it has the same basic meaning as the verb “ser”, differs from the two previous auxiliaries.

First, the auxiliary “estar” is used as a locutionary verb.

• Tu piso está muy lejos.

Secondly, this auxiliary is often used in the periphrase whose form is: estar + gerund. This form expresses continuity and can be translated into English as “verb + ing”.

• Estoy haciendo una cosa muy importante. (I am doing something very important.)

Some nuances between the auxiliaries “haber” and “estar”

Finally, it seems important to note the few differences between the auxiliaries “haber” and “estar” that can be confused when indicating place.

Indeed, we use “hay” when we want to evoke an indeterminate place while we use “está” or “están” to talk about specific places.

Examples :

• Hay un perro / Está el perro
• Hay algunas estatuas en este lugar / Están las estatuas en este lugar
• Hay pocas flores / Están pocas flores
• Hay muchos perros / Están mis perros

In conclusion, it seems necessary to know the different characteristics of the auxiliaries “haber”, “ser” and “estar” as well as the distinction between them in order to use them appropriately in compound tenses and periphrases.

👉 Practice!

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Tags: Grammar