What is the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'?

In Spanish, there are two separate words for 'to be' and it is important to know in which situations we use each one.
The verb 'ser' has a more permanent connotation, it is used to describe personalities, someone's job or the way an object is. For example, to say 'I am a student' you would use 'ser' (soy estudiante). The verb 'estar' is used to describe changing states such as emotions and locations. For example, to say 'I am happy' (estoy feliz) we would use estar.
A useful way to remember the difference between the two is the following rhyme:
For what you feel and where you are always use the verb estar.
For how you feel and what you do, ser is the verb for you.
Here is a list for ways you may need to use the verb SER:-To describe your personality or your family's personality-To talk about the jobs/occupations of yourself and family members-To about time/ dates-To talk about what an object is made of
Here is a list for ways you may need to use the verb ESTAR:-To talk about emotions-To describe location-To describe something's state (e.g. hot or cold, closed or open)

RV
Answered by Rebecca V. Spanish tutor

2590 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

how do i know when to use the preterite and when to use the imperfect tense in spanish ?


What is the difference between a reflexive and ordinary verb?


What is the difference between the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'?


¿Crees que pasar tiempo con la familia es algo bueno?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences