What is the difference between the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'?

The portuguese verbs 'ser' and 'estar' both translate into the english verb 'to be'. However, the two are not interchangeable. 

'Ser' is used in situation where you want to describe a permanent state, often something related to identity. 

'Estar' on the otherhand describes a current state, or the way someone/something exists in that moment. 

They are conjugated as follows: 

Ser - eu sou, tu és, ela/ele/você é, nós somos, vós sois, elas/eles/vocês são

Estar - eu estou, tu estás, ela/ele/você está, nós estamos, vós estais, elas/eles/vocês estão