Ser vs estar

Foreign Languages

Definition

Spanish has two verbs meaning 'to be': ser is used for permanent characteristics, identity, origin, and time, while estar is used for temporary states, locations, emotions, and conditions. Choosing the wrong one can change the meaning of a sentence.

Examples

  • Ser: Ella es alta. (She is tall — permanent trait)
  • Estar: Ella está cansada. (She is tired — temporary state)
  • Ser: Son las tres. (It's three o'clock.) vs. Estar: El libro está en la mesa. (The book is on the table.)
Key Fact

SER = DOCTOR (Description, Occupation, Characteristic, Time, Origin, Relation) | ESTAR = PLACE (Position, Location, Action, Condition, Emotion)

Related Terms

Adjectives Describing people Prepositions of location Health expressions

Study This Concept

Practice ser vs estar with free review games in these units:

Spanish 1-2 Unit 2: Family and Descriptions