How to use the verbs SER and ESTAR correctly in Spanish

By: Josefina Martinen. Online Spanish tutor.

The verbs SER and ESTAR are the ones that cause a lot of confusion among Spanish learners. In this article, you will learn to differentiate them definitively.

In this article, you will learn to differentiate them definitively. There’s a QUIZ at the end.

Let’s start with the conjugation of these verbs:

The verb SER is used to talk about:

1. Physical appearance and personality traits.

Ex:

• Mis padres son altos - My parents are tall.

• Juan es muy simpático - Juan is very nice.

• En mi familia, somos todos rubios - In my family, we are all blonde.

2. Identity or permanent features (nationality, religion, etc.).

Ex:

• Yo soy Martín - I’m Martin.

• Mi familia es católica - My family is catholic.

• Este es el Teatro Municipal - This is the Municipal Theater.

• Este collar es de oro - This is a gold necklace.

3. Family or personal relationships.

Ex:

• Sara y María son mis hermanas - Sara and María are my sisters.

• Juan es mi amigo - Juan is my friend.

• Mariana es mi prima - Mariana is my cousin.

• Este señor es mi jefe - This man is my boss.

4. When or where an event takes place.

Ex:

• El juego de fútbol americano es en Boston - The football game is in Boston.

• El concierto es el miércoles - The concert is on Wednesday.

• Mi cumpleaños es la semana próxima - My birthday is next week.

5. With the preposition PARA indicates recipient or purpose.

Ex:

• Este regalo es para Gabriel - This present is for Gabriel.

• Esta máquina es para hacer jugos - This machine is for making juice.

6. Ask for a price.

Ex:

• ¿Cuánto es? - How much is this?

• Son 2 dólares - Is 2 dollars.

NOTE: With the preposition A it is used with ESTAR. Ex: ¿A cuánto están las manzanas? - How much are the apples?

7. Indicate a profession or occupation.

Ex:

• Juana es una Periodista - Juana is a Journalist.

• Yo soy Ingeniero - I’m an Engineer.

8. Tell and ask for the time.

Ex:

• ¿Qué hora es? - What time is it?

• Son las 2 de la tarde - It’s 2 o’clock.

The verb ESTAR is used for:

1. Temporary moods or health conditions.

Ex:

• Ella está muy triste por el examen - She’s sad for the test.

• María está enferma - Maria is sick.

• Estoy de mal humor - I'm in a bad mood.

• Estamos muy cansados - We are very tired.

2. Appearance and temporary conditions.

Ex:

• Juan está muy bronceado - Juans is very tan.

• Mi abuela está muy bien - My grandmother is very good.

• Los niños están grandes - The children are big.

3. Marital status.

Ex:

• Estoy casado/a - I’m married.

• Estoy divorciado/a - I’m divorced.

• Estoy soltero/a - I’m single.

NOTE: Soy viudo/a - I’m a widower.

4. Location.

Ex:

• Mi casa está en la playa - My house is on the beach.

• El estadio está en la ciudad - The stadium is in the city.

• Estoy en mi casa - I'm at home.

• Los jugadores están en el hotel - The players are in the hotel.

5. ESTAR + gerundio

This construction is used to describe an action in progress). Ex:

• Estamos comiendo en el jardín - We are eating in the garden.

• Estoy bebiendo una copa de vino - I’m drinking a glass of wine.

• Están limpiando la casa - I’m cleaning the house.

Now that you know how to use the verbs SER and ESTAR in Spanish, complete THIS QUIZ to practice and master these important verbs.