Lesson 8: Existence with "có" and "không có"

Vietnamese uses the word có to express two main ideas: possession ("to have") and existence ("there is" / "there are"). This flexibility means you often use the same word whether you own something or are just pointing out that it exists.

The "Place + Có + Thing" Pattern

When stating that something exists in a specific location, the standard pattern is simply: Location + có + Thing.

Trong tủ lạnh có sữa.
"In the fridge (there) is milk."

Trên bàn có sách.
"On the table (there) are books."

The "Empty" Subject

If the location is obvious or general, you can start a sentence directly with Có. You don't need a placeholder subject like "There" in English.

Có ai ở nhà không?
"Is there anyone at home?"

Có nhiều người ở đây.
"There are many people here."

Basic Negation with "Không có"

To say that something does not exist or is not present, place không before có.

Hôm nay không có nắng.
"Today (there is) no sun."

Ở đây không có gì cả.
"Here (there is) nothing at all."

Simple Question Structure

To ask if something exists or if someone has something, use the frame Có... không?

Có vấn đề gì không?
"Is there any problem?"

Bạn có tiền không?
"Do you have money?"

Examples

Trong phòng này có hai cái ghế.
"In this room (there) are two chairs."

Ngày mai không có lớp học.
"Tomorrow (there is) no class."

Anh ấy có xe máy mới.
"He has a new motorbike."

Note on flexibility

Notice that Vietnamese doesn't distinguish between singular ("there is") and plural ("there are"). Có covers both. Also, in casual speech, if the context is clear, the location might be omitted entirely, focusing just on the existence of the object.