When would you use the verb "ser" and when would you use "estar", the two different verbs for "to be"

"Ser" is used to describe permanent attributes, for example: personal descriptions, someone's profession, the origin of a person or object. etc.Examples:María es alta y delgada (María is tall and thin)Juan es cocinero (Juan is a chef)Esta café es de Colombia.
"Estar" is used to describe more temporary attributes, for example: the location of an object or place, the condition of something, or emotions etc.Examples:La cuchara está sobre la mesa (the spoon is on the table)Estabas muy cansado ayer (you were very tired yesterday)My equipo de fútbol perdió ayer, y por eso estoy triste (My football team lost yesterday, and because of this I'm sad)
Note that getting the difference is important, as the two different verbs can change the meaning of a phrase if used wrongly:Examples:Estoy aburrido (I am bored) vs Soy aburrido (I am a boring person)El mango es verde (the mango is green) vs El mango está Verde (The mango is unripe)

MS
Answered by Max S. Spanish tutor

1984 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Cúales son los positivos y los negativos de internet?


How do you form the present tense for -ar verbs in Spanish?


Translate the following sentences into Spanish. I eat lots of fruit. I prefer to download music. The poor man lives on the street. I bought a new laptop on Saturday. I think that I am going to study Spanish next year.


How do I know when to use the subjunctive mood in Spanish?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning