есть eat or have?

Question

I'm very new to learning Russian and I was wondering if the word есть has different meanings? I thought it meant eat, but then noticed it was being used in different contexts. Forgive the simplicity of my question, as I say I am just starting out.

Answer 1

Same as in the English Russian language has so many homonyms. They spelled same, same pronunciation but different meaning

Answer 2

Yes, this word has different meanings:

1) to eat - Что ты будешь есть? Ты съел кашу? Я не хочу есть кашу.

2) to be - Там есть стол. Здесь есть кафе?

We usually omit “to be” in sentences like I am Maria. I am a student (Я Мария, я студентка).

3) to have - У меня есть мама. У тебя есть друзья в Москве?

I hope it helps!