Would you be able to help me understand the differences between 'Ser' and 'Estar'?

It's best to think of these two verbs as completely separate in Spanish even though they both translate as 'to be'. SER You should keep in your mind that this is for more 'permanent' thingse.g. Descriptions, Occupations, Characteristics, Time, Origin, and Relationships (these spell out 'doctor')Example: 'soy moreno/ingles' (I am brown haired/english), 'es profesor' (he/she is a teacher) etcESTARYou should use conjugations of this verb for more 'temporary' things, or for the 'states' that things are currently in. ('State' sounds kind of similar to 'estar')e.g. Position, Location, Action, Condition, EmotionExample: 'estoy en la biblioteca' - (I am in the library) (the library is a place).Going through examples where the gap needs to be filled in for what verb should be used can really help with this! Once you get the idea of them, the rule doesn't change much! :)

AY
Answered by Anna-Karina Y. Spanish tutor

1645 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I boost my essay mark?


When do we use the verb ser and when do we use the verb estar?


Translate the following passage into Spanish: I like to go to the cinema. I love horror films because they are very exciting. My friends prefer romantic films, but I think they are a bit boring. Next week, I am going to see a science fiction film ...


When do I use the verbs ser or estar?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning