The difference between the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'?

As you know, both of the verbs mean 'to be', which is quite confusing! However, in Spanish unlike English, for different contexts and meanings, we use a different version of 'to be.' Ser is a verb which implies permance, or something very long term. We use or interpret it in this way. For example:Soy inteligente- I am intelligent.We use 'ser' as it is describing a characteristic of a person. This implies something more long term and more permament, than for example:Estoy harto - I am fed-upThis is a temporary state of feeling and being, unlike a characteristic.Another key difference is we use estar for place:Eg: Estoy en el estadio- I am in the stadium. 

HP
Answered by Henry P. Spanish tutor

2583 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

When and why should I use the subjunctive in Spanish?


Crees que los móviles causan aislamiento en nuestra sociedad?


What is an easy way to include the subjunctive?


What are the subjunctive triggers?


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