Ser vs estar which to use

It is also used to describe where someone is from and their nationality. These characteristics are what make up the essence of a person. The same rules apply for things , so you use ser to describe a table in the same way you would a person:.

Ser is also used to describe relationships between people. Examples include:. Apparently these relationships also make up your essence, which makes sense if you think about it. When talking about things that belong to you or other people , you should always use ser. As time is of the essence, it makes sense to use ser when describing it. In contrast to the essence of ser, estar is used to talk about temporary states, locations or conditions.

The verb estar is also used to make the present continuous tense, which is used to describe actions happening in or around the moment of speaking. Using ser in this case would be incorrect.

Esta es mi madre, mi padre y estos son mis hermanos. This is my mother, my father and these are my siblings. But remember: Mi abuelo es viudo. My grandpa is a widower. We also use the verb estar when we describe the physical position, the location or the posture of a person, thing or animal. The supermarket next to the hairdresser.

Do the quizzes below to practice how to say the time in Spanish and to repeat some ser vs estar. Have you noticed? When we ask for the total price of a product we use the verb ser. When we use ser , it expresses the total price of a product. When we want to express conditions with the adjectives bien y mal good and bad we use the verb estar. You already learned all uses of the verbs ser and estar of level A1.

We also use the verb ser with the days of the week, the months of the year, and the seasons. My birthday is in March, the fifth.

Another use of the verb estar is to talk about actions that are performed right now or often in the present.

In level A2. As you already know from level A1. Here in level 8 2. How quickly did you get until here?! Do you notice how setting small learning goals helps you advance easier? We hope you do. So, we directly dive into the B1 intermediate level on our way to conquer the ser vs estar topic! You already know that we use the verb ser to describe things and people. In the levels A1. My sister is a very methodical and responsible person. Other adjectives to describe people which work with the verb ser are:.

On the other hand we use the verb estar to describe the current state of objects and people. This means Marcos is not always an unfriendly person, just today he seems to have a bad day and reacts in an unpleasant way. However, there are quite a few exceptions. For example: Estar muerto. To be dead. As we mentioned before, there are lots of exceptions of when to use ser or estar. You learned that we use the verb ser to indicate the time and other time related expressions but we can also use the verb estar in some cases.

Hoy es 10 de mayo — Estamos a 10 de mayo. Today is May 10th. The salad tomatoes are in offer, they are 80 cents per kilogram. Es una chica muy lista — inteligente Cojo el bolso y estoy lista — estar preparada. Las peras son verdes — color. Es una mujer muy buena — buena persona. Have a look at the table below and start using these adjectives with the correct verb! Wow, level B1. In order not to forget them, practice with the quizzes below.

We use the verb ser to make recommendations and give advice. It is advisable that we call to reserve a room at the hotel. No es bueno que comas tanto picante. Es imposible que lleguen a tiempo. Es muy probable que nos cancelen el vuelo. In addition, we can use the verb ser to express opinion, judgement, or to deny facts or give advice with adjectives using the subjunctive.

Es importante que no me mientas. Es conveniente que hagas lo que te dicen. We can also use the verb estar to deny facts, express opinion, value judgment or advice with adjectives and using the subjunctive. We use these two verbs in combination with adjectives and the indicative when we want to express certainty or conviction. Es obvio que nos ha mentido. Then keep on reading! And be proud of yourself! You already know a lot about the verbs ser vs estar. Keep on going! Congratulations already on making it so far!

We use the verb ser with adjectives to express the character or characteristics of what is being described. Es un edificio muy alto. Tiene 23 pisos. It has 23 floors. We use the verb estar , also with adjectives, to describe current states.

The shelf is too high, we have to lower it a bit. To express moods we use the verb estar. Here are some adjectives: animado, desanimado, contento, fascinado, feliz, ilusionado, desilusionado, satisfecho, sorprendido, agobiado, apenado, avergonzado, dolido, disgustado o resignado. Can you believe it?! For example: Es horrible todo lo que le ha pasado. And thank you! For staying with us until the end of this blog post. We teach you according to our 24 Level System to Spanish Fluency, where we clearly define your next goals to be accomplished fast so you stay motivated all the way to Spanish fluency.

Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn Spanish Online. Private Lessons. Resource Sheets. Take the Test. Let's Speak Spanish. Meet our Teachers. All Teachers. Ser or Estar - That Is the Question. Share on facebook.

Share on google. Share on twitter. Share on linkedin. Table of Contents 1. Why are these verbs so challenging? Do I really need to know the difference? Is it that important? Common Errors. Present and Future. More Present and Preterite. Advanced Practice. Tricky Pairs Learning the differences between ser and estar , por and para , and the subjunctive and the indicative is often quite challenging for learners of Spanish. Yo soy alta, morena, y delgada.

Ellos son estudiantes. Mi padre era jardinero. Juanita es bailarina. Compare the following: examples Es doctora. Ahora es la una. Son las cinco veinticinco. Las sillas son de madera. Mi anillo es de oro. Marcos es mi exnovio. Juana es mi jefe. Estaba acostada cuando me llamaste. Ya deja de hablar de ti mismo. Want to learn more about other tricky Spanish verb pairs? Check out these articles! Looking for the old quiz? SpanishDict is the world's most popular Spanish-English dictionary, translation, and learning website.

I am Raul. I am tall, dark-skinned, and thin. Bob is English. Andres is Catholic. I am a Spanish teacher. They are students. My father was a gardener. Juanita is a dancer. Es doctora. She's a doctor. She's a doctor who's dedicated to helping her patients.

Amalia es inteligente, atrevida, y amable. Amalia is intelligent, daring, and friendly.