How do i decide whether to use ser or estar?

In general, ser is used to describe permanent or innate qualities where as estar is used to describe something more temporary. So geographical location, weather and moods and continuous actions are described with 'estar', whereas things such as someone's job or physical description is generally described using 'ser'.
An exception to this is when you're telling the time: to say 'it's 9 o'clock,' you would say 'son las nueve', using ser instead of estar. I always find this strange as time is the one thing that's constantly changing!

MH
Answered by Megan H. Spanish tutor

1877 Views

See similar Spanish A Level tutors

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I know when I need to use the subjunctive in Spanish?


What triggers the subjunctive in Spanish?


How do you conjugate the verb 'tener' in the imperfect subjunctive?


How do I write an A grade Spanish film,book or region essay ?


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