Blog

Grammar: Differences between 'ser' and 'estar'

Published 29/05/2015 In Blog

 

 

 

In Spanish, there are two verbs that can be translated as "to be." These two verbs are ser and estar.

 

In this gramar point you will learn their correct usage, so following are the main characteristics of both verbs: 

 

SER

 1. The verb ser is used to talk about normal or permanent qualities or characteristics of somebody or something and facts.

 

Pedro es muy nervioso (Peter is very nervous, that is what he is like normally)

Laura es muy alta (Laura is very tall)

 

La tierra es redonda (The earth is round. It’s a fact)

 

 

2. The verb ser is also used to indicate the moment or place of an event.

 

La fiesta es en la plaza del ayuntamiento esta tarde a las seis (The party is at six o’clock this afternoon in the townhall square)

 

 

 

 ESTAR

 1. The verb estar is used to talk about the normal o temporary characteristics of something or somebody.

 

Marta está triste hoy (Marta is sad today, only today for the time being)

Pedro está enfadado (Pedro is angry)

 

           Exception: Estar muerto

           (to be dead)

             Este árbol está muerto

             (This tree is dead)

 

2. Estar is also used to indicate changes.

María, ¡estás muy delgada!

Mary, you’re really thin!

  

3. The verb estar is used to indicate the position or location of somebody or something.

La Torre Eiffel está en París

The Eiffel Tower is in Paris

 


There are some adjectives that change their meaning depending on whether they are accompanied with the verb ser or estar. 

 

These are some examples:

ser rico: to have money vs estar rico: to taste nice

ser aburrido: to be boring vs estar aburrido: to be bored

ser bueno: to be of good quality, to have a good behaviour vs estar bueno: tasty or to have recovered from an illness

 

 

Hopefully this grammar explanation will have helped you to understand how we form comparatives in Spanish, but if it isn't so don't hesitate to send me an email with your questions at info@keelyalgarlanguages.com and I will be more than happy answer!

 

ser or estar ser vs estar Spanish grammar

contact | any questions?

Contact details

Message information

Validate that you are not a robot