Verb To Be in Spanish





Today we are going to learn the differences between the Spanish Verbs: Ser and Estar.

In Spanish, there are two words equivalent to the English verb ‘to be’: ‘ser’ and ‘estar’.

First let's see the conjugation of the verbs SER and ESTAR in the present Tense:



Ser
comes from the Latin word ‘esse’ which is the same root word for the English word ‘essence’.

Use this verb to express essencial quality or permanent attributes.

Estar 
comes from the Latin word ‘stare’ which is the same root word for the English word ‘state’.

You must use this verb to talk about changeable state or temporary conditions.




1.    Origin / Nationality: 

Ellos son alemanes

(They are Germans)


2.    Names:

Él es Carlos

(This is Carlos)


3.    Describing a person or a thing:

Tú eres alta y delgada

(You are tall and thin)


4.    Material:

El reloj es de oro

(The watch is made of gold)


5.    Possession:

Esa es la casa de Pedro

(That’s Pedro’s house)


6.    Occupation / Profession:

Yo soy actriz

(I’m an actress)


7.    Time / Date:

Hoy es Lunes

(Today is Monday)


8.    Location of events:

La conferencia es en el auditorio

(the conference is in the auditorium)


9.    Expressing quantity:

El patio es demasiado pequeño

(the yard is too small)


10.  Relationship:

Ella es mi madre

(She is my mother)


11.  Price:

¿Cuánto es?

(How much is it?)




1.    Physical position: 

Ellos están sentados

(They are seated)


2.    Location:

Él libro está sobre la mesa

(The book is on the table)


3.    Feelings and emotions:

Ella está muy alegre hoy

(She is very happy today)


4.    Physical and mental condition:

Mi tío está un poco loco

(My uncle is a little crazy)


5.    Describing something:

La puerta está rota

(The door is broken)


6.    Temporary situations:

Ellos están de vacaciones


(They are on vacation)


7.    Giving opinions:

Estoy de acuerdo contigo

(I agree with you)


8.    Marital status:

Ella está casada con mi amigo

(She is married to my friend)


9.    Ongoing actions:

Él está hablando por teléfono

(He is talking on the phone)


Meaning changes with SER and ESTAR phrases



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