Ser and Estar both mean 'to be' in Spanish, however they are used at different times during language. Estar is used mostly for temporary things, such as…· weather – está lloviendo· physical actions – estoy sentada· location – está a la derecha· or emotions – están tristes.Ser is used for most other things including…· occupations – soy profesora · nationality and origin – es ingles · time – son las cinco y medio · characteristics – somos amables.Swapping out ser and estar can change the meaning of what you say:· ser aburrido – to be boring, estar aburrido – to be bored· ser listo – to be clever, estar listo – to be ready· ser orgulloso – to be conceited, estar orgulloso – to be proud.