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)

Answered by Rebecca V. Spanish tutor

1558 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between the pretérito indefinido and the pretérito imperfecto?


How should I write a letter in Spanish?


Please translate the following sentence.


How to use articles in Spanish?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences