When learning Spanish, one of the most fundamental concepts to grasp is the difference between ser and estar. Both verbs translate to “to be” in English, but they have different meanings and uses. In this section, we will explore the key differences between ser and estar.
Uses of Ser
Ser is used to describe permanent or inherent characteristics of a person, place, or thing. It is also used to identify or define something. Here are some examples:
- Nationality: “Eres mexicano.” (You are Mexican.)
- Profession: “Soy médico.” (I am a doctor.)
- Characteristics: “Ella es alta y delgada.” (She is tall and thin.)
- Time: “Son las dos de la tarde.” (It is two o’clock in the afternoon.)
Describing Permanent Traits
When using ser, you are describing a permanent state or essential quality of a person, place, or thing. Some examples of permanent traits include personality traits, and physical appearance. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Yo soy una persona amable. (I am a kind person.)
- Él es casado. (He is married.)
- Nosotros somos altos. (We are tall.)
Stating Occupations
Another common use of ser is to state a person’s occupation. In Spanish, it is common to use the indefinite article before the occupation. Here are some examples:
- Ella es una doctora. (She is a doctor.)
- Él es un profesor de historia. (He is a history teacher.)
Expressing Origin
Ser is also used to express a person’s place of origin. This can include their country, city, or even their neighborhood. Here are some examples:
- Yo soy de México. (I am from Mexico.)
- Él es de Nueva York. (He is from New York.)
Telling Time and Date
When telling time and date in Spanish, ser is used. This is because time and date are considered permanent states. Here are some examples:
- Son las dos de la tarde. (It is 2:00 PM.)
- Hoy es el once de octubre. (Today is October 11th.)
Expressing Relation
It is used to indicate relationship between two or more people. Here are some examples:
- Carlos es el hermano de Viviana. (Carlos is Viviana’s brother.)
- ¿Quién es tu suegro? (Who is your father-in-law?)
Expressions with “ser”
| Spanish | English |
| no ser para menos Example: La seguridad les negó la entrada al partido, y no era para menos, esos hinchas habían destrozado propiedad privada. | A phrase used to justify something. |
| no somos nadie Example: A: -¿Escuchaste la noticia del accidente? B: -Sí, qué tragedia. No somos nadie. | A phrase used to indicate the fragility of human existence. |
| o sea Example: Mi puesto nuevo es de gerente de operaciones, o sea, estoy encargado de implementar los procesos, comprar materiales, buscar recursos, etc. | Expression meaning “that is to say”. |
| ser de lo que no hay Example: Otra vez tarde para la reunión de equipo y sin los materiales, Camilo es de lo que no hay. | Said of a person or thing that has no other equal of its kind. Often used in a pejorative way. |
Uses of Estar
Estar, on the other hand, is used to describe temporary or changing conditions of a person, place, or thing. It is also used to indicate location or position. Here are some examples:
- Emotions: “Estoy feliz.” (I am happy.)
- Health: “Está enfermo.” (He is sick.)
- Position: “La mesa está en la cocina.” (The table is in the kitchen.)
- Progressive tense: “Estoy hablando español.” (I am speaking Spanish.)
Estar is also used in idiomatic expressions, such as “estar de acuerdo” (to agree) and “estar en camino” (to be on the way).
It is important to note that there are some exceptions to these rules, and some adjectives can change meaning depending on whether they are used with ser or estar. For example, “aburrido” means “boring” when used with estar (“Estoy aburrido“), but it means “bored” when used with ser (“Soy aburrido“).
Describing Temporary Conditions
One of the most common uses of estar is to describe temporary states. For example, you can use estar to describe how you are feeling at the moment. Here are some examples:
- Estoy cansado/a. (I am tired.)
- Estás enfermo/a. (You are sick.)
- Está nervioso/a. (He/She is nervous.)
Stating Physical Location
Another common use of estar is to state physical location. Here are some examples:
- Estoy en casa. (I am at home.)
- Estás en la oficina. (You are at the office.)
- Está en el parque. (He/She is in the park.)
Expressing Emotions
Estar can also be used to express emotions. Here are some examples:
- Estoy contento/a. (I am happy.)
- Estás triste. (You are sad.)
- Está emocionado/a. (He/She is excited.)
Relationship
The verb estar is also used to indicate a love relationship between two people. Here are some examples:
- A: – ¿Desde cuándo están juntos? (How long have you been together?)
- B: – Carol y Diego están hace muchos años. (Carol and Diego have been together for many years.)
Temporary Professions
This verb is also used for professions, but when a person TEMPORARILY carries out a trade or profession. Here are some examples:
- Esta semana estoy de niñera de mis sobrinos. (This week I am babysitting my nephews.)
- Elena está de cajera hasta conseguir otro trabajo. (Elena is working as a cashier until she gets another job.)
Expressing Willingness
Estar is ofen used to denote a willingness (r lack of it) to do something in the near future or determined to do something, here are some examples:
- Por favor no estamos para chistes. (Please, we are not here for jokes.)
- Estoy para lo que necesites, cuenta conmigo. (I’m here for whatever you need, count on me.)
Uncompleted actions
There are expressions used with the verb estar to indicate that an action has not yet been executed, here are some examples:
- Estaba por ducharme cuando escuché el timbre de la puerta. (I was about to take a shower when I heard the doorbell ring.)
- ¿Puedo llamarte luego? Estoy por entrar a la consulta del médico. (Can I call you back? I’m about to go into the doctor’s office.)
For process
This verb is also used when we want to express doing something or following a process. Here are some examples:
- Esa semana estaremos de viaje de negocios. (That week we will be on a business trip.)
- La vecina está de mudanza por eso el camión está en la vereda. (The neighbour is moving house so the truck is on the pavement.)
Expressions with “estar”
| Spanish | English |
| estarse haciendo Example: Mira a la niña, se está haciendo la dormida. | Expression meaning to make a pretense or pretence of something |
| estar en veremos Example: La extensión está en veremos, la municipalidad tiene que aprobar los planos primero. | A phrase used to indicate that a project or plan is far from completion or implementation. |
| estar de más Example: Mejor me voy, estoy de más en esta conversación. ¿Puedes sacar esos centros de mesa que están de más? | Expression meaning that something or someone is left over or is doing nothing. |
| estar a oscuras Example: ¿Puedes decirme qué pasa? Estoy a oscuras con los asuntos familiares. | A phrase used to indicate that one does not know about a subject. |
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