Ser vs Estar | Spanish Lesson
New free Spanish lesson ser vs estar and quiz from Hi Espanol. How do we tell the difference between ser and estar in Spanish? Let's find out!
Ser vs Estar
Stage 1
Watch the video lesson
The difference between the verbs ser and estar is one of the biggest problems for foreign Spanish students.
Normally it is explained as follows; The verb "Ser" is used to describe permanent characteristics that define a person or thing. "Estar" is used to indicate transitory states.
Based on this rule (with some exceptions) we will show you a few tricks in this video, to help you on this matter. Remember to take the ser vs. estar FREE QUIZ from below, to check what you have already learned.
Ser and Estar Uses
DESCRIPTIONS
We use "ser" to describe the essential qualities that define a person or thing. This includes physical descriptions, nationality, profession, relationships and even religious and political beliefs.
- Juan es alto. (Juan is tall.)
- La calle es muy larga. (The street is very long.)
- La puerta es de madera. (The door is wooden.)
- Pepe y María son muy romáticos. (Pepe y María are very romantic.)
- Yo soy Español. (I am spaniard.)
We use "estar" to talk about temporary states. This includes physical and mental conditions, emotions, actions, positions and the outcome of a process.
- Juan está muy enfermo. (Juan is very sick.)
- María está triste. (She is sad.)
- Estaba sentado en el bar viendo el partido. (I was sitting in the bar watching the game.)
- Trabajé todo el día. Estoy muy cansado. (I woked all day long. I am so tired...)
- Juan y pepe están limpiando su habitación. (They are cleaning up their room)
PLACES AND LOCATION
"Ser" is also used to indicate where an event occurs, happens or is celebrated.
- La fiesta es en el patio del colegio. (The party is in the school yard.)
- La reunión es en Madrid. (The meeting is in Madrid.)
- El accidente fue en la autopista. (The accident was on the highway.)
- ¿Dónde es el partido de fútbol? (Where is the football match?)
"Estar" is used to indicate a location or permanence in a certain place.
- Mi casa está en Salamanca. (My home is in Salamanca)
- Estoy en la plaza mayor. (I am at the main square.)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where the bathroom is?)
TALKING ABOUT TIME
We use "ser" to refer to a temporary moment on the day (morning, afternoon, night), and talk about the time on the clock, dates and years.
- ¿Es de día o es de noche? (Is it day or is it night?)
- ¿Qué hora es? Son las dos de la tarde. (What time is it? It's two in the afternoon)
- ¡Por fin es Viernes! (Finally it's Friday!)
We use the verb estar to place a date in time.
- ¿A qué fecha estamos? (What date are we?)
- Hoy estamos a treinta de abril. (Today is the end of April)
Stage 2
TAKE THE FREE QUIZ SER VS ESTAR
It is time to reinforce the concepts learned.
Ser and Estar Quiz
Stage 3
(Optional)
Book a class
Feel free. It will take you just a minute and there is no obligation at all to book more lessons afterwards. Ask your doubts about ser and estar to our tutors.
- Lesson lasts 30 min.
- Book it at your convenience.
- You can increase its duration.
Tutored lesson
Ser vs. Estar
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