What is the difference between Ser and Estar and how should I use them?

'Ser' and 'Estar' both directly translate to the verb 'to be' in English. However, in Spanish they both have very different meanings. Before being able to conjugate them, we must understand what they mean. 'Ser' is used when referring to a more permanent state. Can be used when referring to someone’s permanent state e.g. characteristics. Or even something which is in a permanent state e.g. time. ‘Estar’ is used when referring to a temporary state someone or something is in. e.g. emotions. For example, if I was to say ‘Soy aburrido.’ This means I am a boring person, because I have used the permanent verb ‘Ser’. However, if I was to say ‘Estoy aburrido.’ This now means I am bored, as in the temporary emotional state of boredom because I have used the temporary verb ‘Estar’. Now that we’ve mastered these uses we can learn to conjugate them. Ser and Estar are both irregular verbs so these conjugations have to be learnt off by heart. Ser – yo soy, tú eres, él, ella es, nosotros somos, vosotros sois, ellos, ellas son Estar – yo estoy, tú estás, él, ella está, nosotros estamos, vosotros estáis, ellos, ellas están