The difference between ser and estar.

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.

Answered by Steph W. Spanish tutor

1428 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is an easy way to remember how to form the imperfect subjunctive?


How can I get a better mark from writing task?


What is the difference between the preterite and the imperfect tense and when do I use them?


How do I not get confused between using '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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences