Ser vs Estar: The Ultimate Guide to the Differences between the Two Most-Used Spanish Verbs

Ser and estar are widely used in Spanish. New learners are likely to struggle when it comes to getting a hang of them. As these two verbs are used in just about every type of sentence, you need to know everything about them to create proper sentences. Otherwise, you would fail to communicate with locals.

However, there is no need to worry as we have created the ultimate guide that covers what does ser and estar mean and when to use ser and estar. By reading our post, you will learn how to use ser and estar. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in.

Differences between Ser and Estar

Want to know when to use ser vs estar? You need to know what the difference between ser and estar is. Spanish has two verbs for “to be”.

These can be confusing to master. The difference between ser and estar in Spanish is mentioned below.

• Ser is typically used for simple speech such as to talk about something that is in a permanent state. It describes the characteristics of the main topic in the sentence.
• On the other hand, estar is used for discussing how something is. This means that it is used for actions, emotions, locations, and conditions. It is associated with something that has a temporary state.

When To Use Ser And Estar

Learning about when to use ser and estar in Spanish is necessary. It will help you master the many uses of ser and estar in no time.

Ser should be used in the following situations.

• Religion
• Possession
• Material(s)
• Nationality
• Occupation
• Place of Origin
• Essential Qualities
• Political Affiliation
• Location of Something
• The Date, Day, and Hour
• Relationship With Someone

Estar can be used for the following:

• Progressive Tenses
• Geographic Location
• Idiomatic Expressions
• Condition or State (i.e. emotions)

Ser and Estar Conjugations

To master the Spanish ser vs estar, you must know their conjugations. By going through the conjugations, you can learn ser and estar rules. Here are the present tense conjugations of the two.

Words	SER	ESTAR
I (Yo)	Soy	Estoy
You (Tú)	Eres	Estás
He/ She (Él/ Ella)	Es	Está
They (Ellos/ Ellas)	Son	Están
We (Nosotros/ Nosotras)	Somos	Estamos
You All (Vosotros/ Vosotras)	Sois	Estáis

To get the forms of ser and estar right, you have to understand the logic behind the two. Ser is normally used for expressing things that are permanent, whereas, estar is used when discussing temporary ideas.

Ser and Estar Examples

When learning a language, examples go a long way in helping you understand the context and the intricacies. This is why it is important that review examples of ser and estar to understand how they are used. The following examples will help you decide whether to use ser or estar just like a native Spanish speaker.

1. When Talking to Someone

Ser

• S: Carla es una persona muy contenta.
• E: Carla is a very content person.

When you go through the above example, you will immediately realize that Carla is constantly content. This is why ser is used instead of estar.

Estar

• S: Sofia está de buen humor.
• E: Sofia has a good mood.

Our mood changes every day which is why estar is used in the above situation.

2. Discussing the Location of Events

Ser

• S: El partido de baloncesto es en el estadio.
• E: The basketball game is at the stadium.

Here we talk about an event that will take place at a specific location.

Estar

• S: El estadio está cerca del puerto.
• E: The stadium is near the port.

Although the location of the event seems permanent, estar is used. It is used when referring to a physical location of an event.

3. Talking About Relationships

Ser

• S: Gabriela y Carlos son esposos.
• E: Gabriela and Carlos are partners.

As we are describing the relationship between two people, ser will be used.

Estar

• S: Gabriela y Carlos están casados.
• E: Gabriela and Carlos are married.

As marital status is a state or condition, estar is used.

4. Chatting About Appearance

Ser

• S: Es guapo.
• E: He is handsome.

The appearance of someone is considered permanent. Hence, ser would be used.

Estar

• S: Se ve bien est á noche.
• E: He looks good tonight.

The above sentence describes a non-permanent characteristic which is why estar is used.

5. Location

Ser

• S: Nosotros somos de Berlin.
• E: We are from Berlin.

As someone’s place of origin is permanent, ser is the way to go.

Estar

• S: Nosotras estamos viajando a Alemania.
• E: We are traveling to Germany.

In case of a current location, estar should be used.

6. Discussing Fruits

Ser

• S: La manzana es roja.
• E: The apple is red.

Since red describes the permanent characteristic of the apple, ser would be used.

Estar

• S: La manzana está verde.
• E: The apple is green (unripe).

The color green describes the temporary state of the apple’s color. Hence, estar is used.

7. Nationality and Locality

• S: Yo soy Británica.
• E: I am British.

A nationality is a permanent characteristic.

Estar

• S: Yo estoy en Británica.
• E: I am in Britain.

Being in a specific country is a condition as you can always move to a different country.

8. Food

Ser

• S: La comida es deliciosa allí.
• E: The food is delicious there.

When we describe food at a specific place, ser is used.

Estar

• S: La comida está fría.
• E: The food is cold.

The state of the food is temporary which is why estar is used.

9. Using Temperature Words to Describe People

Ser

• S: Ella es fria.
• E: She is cold.

You can use ser to describe the personality of someone.

Estar

• S: Ella está fria.
• E: She is cold.

If we describe the body temperature of someone, estar is used.

10. Profession

Ser

• S: ¿Quién es la profesora?
• E: Who is the teacher?

A person’s occupation is considered permanent.

Estar

• S: ¿Dónde está la profesora?
• E: Where is the teacher?

If referring to the location of a person, estar is used.

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Conclusion

Now that you have gone over our guide, you will know the differences between the Spanish verbs ser and estar. This would mean that you will have an easier time conversing in Spanish. Make sure to practice speaking the ser and estar examples to get a hang of the verbs.

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