If you’re learning Spanish, you’ve probably heard the words “haber” and “a ver.” They may seem similar in spelling and pronunciation, but they have different meanings and uses.
In this article, you’ll learn the differences between haber and a ver in Spanish with examples of how to use them correctly.
What is the use of Haber in Spanish?
Haber is an auxiliary verb used to form compound tenses in Spanish, like Pretérito Perfecto Compuesto and Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto.
It is also used as a main verb in the impersonal form “hay“, which is used to talk about the existence or presence of something.
For example, if you want to say “Yo he comido” (I have eaten), you should use “haber” as an auxiliary. Or if you want to say “Hay una mesa en la habitación” (There is a table in the room), you would use “hay” as the main verb.
Additionally, “haber” is usually followed by a past participle to form a compound tense, while “a ver” is followed by a subject and a verb in the infinitive form.
Examples:
| Haber as an auxiliary verb | English |
| He hablado con ella. | I have spoken to her. |
| (él/ella) Había comido antes de llegar. | He/ she had eaten before arriving. |
| Haber as a main verb | English |
| Hay un gato en el jardín. | There is a cat in the garden. |
| No hay mesas disponibles en el restaurante. | There aren’t available tables in the restaurant. |
The verb haber comes from the Latin habere, which means ‘to have’, and with this meaning it was used in medieval and classical Spanish.
However, the verb tener started to be used with this sense, and haber became specialized in its uses as an auxiliary and as an impersonal.
Its use today with the value of tener is a linguistic archaism that only occurs in written texts, especially literary ones, with an archaizing intention, or in legal expressions, usually in passive construction.
That’s why, it is important to note that “haber” is no longer used as a synonym for “tener” in Spanish. Instead, it is used as an auxiliary verb to form compound tenses.
What is “A ver” in Spanish?
“A ver” (let’s see) is an expression used to ask or suggest that someone watch or listen to something. For example, if you are talking to a friend about a funny video you saw online, you might say “A ver si lo encuentro” (Let’s see if I can find it) to suggest that you look for the video together.
It is also used in some contexts to express uncertainty or doubt. For example, if someone asks you if you are sure about something, you might respond “A ver si recuerdo bien” (Let’s see if I remember correctly).
It is important to note that “a ver” is not a verb form and is not used as a synonym for “haber” in Spanish.
Examples:
| Haber as a main verb | English |
| A ver si podemos encontrarnos mañana para tomar un café. ▪️ “A ver” is used to suggest that they look at their schedule and coordinate | Let’s see if we can meet tomorrow for coffee. |
| A ver si te acuerdas de su nombre. ▪️ “A ver” is used to express doubt or uncertainty | Let’s see if you remember his name. |
