How do you know when to use ser or estar?

Ser                                                                                                                      EstarDescription                                                                                                     PositionOccupation                                                                                                     LocationCharacteristics                                                                                               ActionTime                                                                                                                  ConditionsOrigin                                                                                                                EmotionsRelationships
Use of ser:Ser is normally used to talk about something that is permanent, or lasting. In the acronymn above, ser is used in descriptions of essential qualities of people or things. For example: Antonio es español (Antonio is Spanish). Included in this are nationalities, names, physical descriptions and religions. It also used to talk about someone's occupation, or job. For example: Virginia es abogada (Virginia is a lawyer). Ser is also used to talk about someone's characteristics, i.e. their personality. For example: Victoria es feliz e inteligente (Victoria is happy and intelligent). It is used for talking about time, days, years and dates, for example Hoy es viernes (Today is Friday). Ser is also used for describing the origins of something, for example where someone or something is from, or the material it is made from. For example : Yo soy de Inglaterra (I am from England). Finally, ser is used to describe personal relationships, for example friendships, family and relationships. As an example, Carolina es mi madre (Carolina is my mother).Use of estar:Estar is used to indicte temporary states and locations. In the acronym above, we can see that estar is used to describe the posture or position of something. For example: Mi padre está levantado (My father is stood up). The location of someone or something describes where it is permanently, temporarily, or conceptually. Estar is also used in this case, for example: La cocina está a la izquierda de la sala (The kitchen is on the left of the lounge). It is also used to describe ongoing actions or states, and in this case is often followed by a present or past participle: Mis abuelos están sentados en la sala (My grandparents are sat in the lounge). Physical and mental conditions are also described using estar, for example: Estoy cansada hoy (I am tired today), as well as someone's feelings (Estoy feliz, which means I am happy (right now)).

Answered by Charlotte S. Spanish tutor

1087 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How to conjugate and use the future tenses.


Describir unas de las vacaciones del ano pasado. Escribir entre 80 y 90 palabras.


How is the present subjunctive formed?


how do i know when to use the preterite and when to use the imperfect tense in spanish ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy