Ser and Estar

What do they mean?

To Be

Ser vs. Estar

Ser

• Ser is used when describing characteristics, origins and professions; things that will not change very often

La flor es azul.

The flower is blue, and that is a relatively permanent characteristic

Estar

Estar is used to describe location, a condition, or any thing that changes day to day.

La sopa está caliente.

The soup is hot now, but it won’t be in a few minutes.

Conjugations

SerYo soy Nosotros

somos

Tú eres Ellos, ellas son

Él, Ella es UstedesUsted

Estar

So when do you use them?

Ser

Ser is used when talking about the characteristics of a noun, or describing relatively permanent things

Instances to use Ser

• Origin• Time and Date• Characteristics• Profession• Possession• Relationships

Somos viejos.

They are old, and that isn’t going to change.

Soy de Argentina.

Estar

Estar is used to describe the location or condition of something.

Estar is used in instances that change from day to day.

When to use Estar

• Location• Health• Feelings or Opinions• Action in Progress (ing) Estoy hablando

Tú estás enferma.

Más ejemplos

Estamos en la playa.

Tú eres el hermano de Pepe.

Son las diez y diez

Tú estás en Francia.

La puerta es azul

El perro está cansado.

Las flores son amarillas.

Soy el nieto de Estela y Juan.

Están felices.

Son las diez y veintiséis.

When NOT to use ser or estar

Age Fears– I am 45 years old -I am afraid of snakes

Food Body Temperature– I am hungry -I am cold– I am thirsty

Weather– It is windy– It is sunny

*These statements use the verbs tener (to have) and hacer (to do)

In conclusion:

Ser is used for characteristics, origins and permanent descripitions

Estar is used for locations, changeable conditions and feelings that change day to day.

Ser: Permanent

Estar: Temporary

One more thing….

When talking about the location of an event, such as a party or concert, it seems logical to use estar, because it is location.

But you use Ser.

La fiesta es en la playa.

La boda es en el parque.