When do we use the verb ser and when do we use the verb estar?

In Spanish there are two different verbs for the verb "to be" in English, Ser and Estar. The two are not interchangeable, as they have two different uses. We use the verb ser when we are describing something permanent. i.e. nationality "soy inglesa" or a characteristic of a person for example "su pelo es rubia". In contrast we use the verb Estar when talking about something temporary i.e. location or mood "estoy cansada" "estoy en mi dormitorio".

Answered by Madeleine N. Spanish tutor

2566 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between definite and indefinite articles?


¿Te gustaría trabajar en el extranjero? ¿En qué país? ¿Por qué? (example of oral exam question)


How do you form the perfect tense in Spanish?


What is the difference between ser and estar?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences