Know the Difference Between Ser and Estar Once and for All! The difference between ser and estar can be confusing for beginners in Portuguese, but there is a simple way to understand when to use each one. The key is to ask yourself: Am I talking about a characteristic? If the answer is yes, use ser. If not, it is a temporary state or condition, so use estar. Use ser for characteristics Ser is used to describe permanent or essential characteristics of a person, thing, or situation. These characteristics do not change easily. • She is intelligent. → Ela é inteligente. • This is a big city. → Esta é uma cidade grande. • He is tall. → Ele é alto. Think of ser as describing what something is by nature or essence. Use estar for everything else If it is not a characteristic, then it is a state. Estar is used to describe temporary conditions, emotions, locations, or ongoing actions. • She is happy. → Ela está feliz. (Happiness is a temporary feeling.) • The door is open. → A porta está aberta. (The door is not always open.) • We are in Brazil. → Nós estamos no Brasil. (Location is always with estar.) A simple trick Whenever you are unsure, ask yourself: Am I talking about a characteristic? If yes, use ser. If not, use estar. By following this rule, choosing between ser and estar becomes much easier. Keep practicing, and soon it will feel natural!