Ser vs Estar

Ser vs Estar

Learning how and when to use these 2 verbs which mean "to be" in Spanish.

​Ser vs Estar is a question we will ask ourselves all the time when speaking Spanish. Ser and Estar both mean "to be" and there subsequent conjugations are:
I am, he/she is, you are, they are, we are.
We are going to learn why they both mean the same and how to master using them correctly.

​Overview

​Ser is used for permanent or semi permanent qualities or details. For example : Soy un varon - I am a male.
Ella es alta - She is tall
Ellos son de Peru -
They are from Peru

These qualities are not likely to change overnight or anytime soon.

Estar is used for temporary qualities or details. For example : Estoy cansado- I am tired.
Ella está afuera- She is outside
Ellos están viajando -
They are travelling.

These qualities are likely to change over a short period of time.

​Ser

Estar

• Occupation

  soy un doctor - I am a doctor

• Ideology(Christian, Vegetarian etc)

  ella es cristiana - She is Christian

• Nationality

  él es argentino - He is Argentinan

• Physical features/Abstract Qualities(smart, clever etc)

  ellos son inteligente - They are intelligent

• Relationships

  él es mi esposo - He is my husband

• Time

  es la una - It's one o clock

• Physical and emotional States

  Pedro está triste - peter is sad

• Location

  las llaves están en el cuarto - the keys are in the room

• Temporary situations

  La tienda está muy ocupada - The shop is very busy