Difference Between Ser and Estar

In this lesson you are going to learn the difference between ser and estar in Spanish.

Ser and estar can both be translated as “to be”

In Spanish, a different verb is used to express “to be” depending on whether the speaker intends to address a condition or an essential quality.

 

Subject – Estar – Ser (to be)

Yo (I) – estoy – soy

Adjectives in Spanish Translation

Tú (You)(Informal) – estás – eres

Usted (You)(Formal) – está – es

Él/Ella(He/She) – está – es

Nosotros(as)(We) – estamos – somos

Vosotros(as)(You)(Informal) – estáis – sois

Ustedes(You)(Formal) – están – son

Ellos(as)(They) – están – son

 

When to Use Estar in Spanish?

Estar (To Be)

Notes:

1- To address condition, use “estar”. “Estar” is an irregular verb. 

e.g.

El plátano está verde – The banana is green (condition)

La sopa está caliente – The soup is hot (condition)

Ella está enferma – She is sick (condition)

 

2- If you are talking about how something is, use “estar”

e.g.

Question: ¿Cómo está él? – How is he?

Answer:    Él está enojado – He is mad

 

Note: “Estar” is used to express geographic or physical locations.

e.g.

Question: ¿Dónde estás? – Where are you?

Answer: Estoy en el trabajo.-  I’m at work

Question:¿Dónde está mi llave? – Where’s my key?

Answer: La llave está en tu cuarto – The key is in your bedroom

Tip: The one exception to this rule is that “ser” is used to tell where an event is taking place. (La fiesta es en mi casa. – The party is at my house)

 

Note: “Estar” is used with adjectives to express a state or condition (“how” something is).

Question:¿Cómo está el agua? – How’s the water?

Answer: El agua está fría. – The water is cold.

Question:¿Cómo estás tú? – How are you?

Answer: Estoy muy bien, gracias.-  I am very well, thanks.

Note: “Estar” is used with many idiomatic expressions.

estar de acuerdo- to be in agreement

estar de pie- to be standing

estar en camino- to be on the way

estar en las nubes – to be daydream

 

Note: “Estar” is used with the Progressive Tenses

Question:¿Qué estás haciendo? – What are you doing?

Answer: Estoy estudiando Español  – I am studying Spanish

 

When to Use Ser in Spanish?

Ser (To Be)

Notes:

1- To address an essential quality, use “ser”. “Ser” is also irregular.

e.g.

El plátano es verde – The banana is green (quality)

El colchón es suave – The mattress is soft (quality)

 

2- If you are talking about what something is, use “ser”.

e.g.

Question: ¿Qué es ella? -What is she?

Answer: Ella es una profesora – She is a teacher

Note: “Ser” is used to express the hour, day, and date.

e.g.

Question:  ¿Qué hora es? – What time is it?

Answer:   Son las dos. – It’s two o’clock.

Question: ¿Qué día es hoy? – What day is today?

Answer:   Hoy es Martes. – Today’s Tuesday.

Question: ¿Cuál es la fecha de hoy?- What’s today’s date?

Answer: Es el treinta de mayo.-  It’s May 30.

 

Note: “Ser” is used to express place of origin.

e.g.

Question: ¿De dónde eres tú? – Where are you from?

Answer:  Soy de Colombia. – I’m from Colombia.

Note: “Ser” is used to express occupation.

Question: ¿Cuál es tu trabajo? – What is your job?

Answer: Soy ingeniero – I’m an engineer

Note: “Ser” is used to express nationality.

Question: ¿Es ella cubana? – Is she Cuban?

Answer: Sí, ella es cubana – Yes, she’s Cuban.

Note: “Ser” is used to express religious or political affiliation.

Ellos son comunistas – They are communists

Es el gobierno Socialista – It’s the Socialist government

Nosotros somos cristianos – We are christians

El sistema es Capitalista – The system is Capitalist

 

Note: “Ser” is used to express the material something is made of.

Eso es de cemento – That is (made of) cement

Las mesas son de madera – The tables are (made of) wood

 

Note: “Ser” is used to express possession.

Question: ¿De quién es el libro?- Whose book is it?

Answer: Es de Carlos – It’s Carlos’s

 

Note: “Ser” is used to express the relationship of one person to another.

Question:¿Quién es ella? – Who is she?

Answer: Ella es la esposa de mi tío – She is my uncle’s wife

 

Note: “Ser” is used with certain impersonal expressions.

Es necesario que llegue temprano – It is necessary to arrive early

Es importante que practiques a diario – It is important that you practice daily

 

Note: “Ser” is used to tell where and when an event is taking place.

El cumpleaños es el sábado – The birthday is Saturday

El evento es el lunes en el teatro – The event is Monday at the theater

La reunión es en el trabajo – The meeting is at work

.

Note: “Ser” is used with adjectives to express inherent, or essential qualities.

María es inteligente – Maria is smart

Ustedes son muy rápidos – You (all) are very fast