What is the difference between the verbs 'ser' and 'estar' (meaning 'to be' in English)?

Both of these verbs are irregular, and mean 'to be', but for different situations.Ser is used when talking about permanent, or lasting attributes, the essential essence of something. A helpful acronym to remember is DOCTOR. D is for descriptions of essential qualities of people or things, such as names, nationalities and physical descriptions. O is for occupation, to say what someone does for a living or a hobby. C is for characteristics, to describe someone's personality. T is for time, which can include the time of day, dates, days and years. The second O is for origin, to describe the place that someone or something is from, or the material that something is made of. Finally, R is for relationships, to describe family relationships, friendships, personal relationships and romantic relationships.Estar is used when talking about temporary states and locations, conditions and circumstances. A helpful acronym to remember in this case is PLACE. P is for position, describing the physical position or posture that someone is in. L is for location, to describe where something is. A is for actions, to describe an ongoing action with estar follower by the gerund or a past action with estar followed by the past participle. C is for conditions, to describe physical and mental conditions that can vary over hours, days or years. Finally E is for emotions, to describe how someone is feeling in a particular moment.