¿Ser o Estar? When to use ‘SER’ and when to use ‘ESTAR’ in Spanish?

Both ‘SER’ and ‘ESTAR’ are equivalent to the English to be. However, in Spanish, they have very different meanings and usages. In general, ‘SER’ is used to describe permanent situations such as: Date - (eg: es el quince de abril). Occupation - (eg: mi madre es doctora). Characteristic - (eg: es bajo, soy amable). Time - (eg: son las tres). Origin - (eg: es inglés). Relation - (eg: son mis padres). Remember: DOCTOR! In general, ‘ESTAR’ is used to indicate locations and temporary situations such as: Position - (eg: estoy sentado). Location - (eg: Londres está en Inglaterra). Action (present progressive) - (eg: estoy cantando). Condition - (eg: los chicos están enfermos). Emotion - (eg: ella está feliz). Remember: PLACE!

CS
Answered by CHARLOTTE S. Spanish tutor

1670 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

¿Crees que pasar tiempo con la familia es algo bueno?


How do I know whether to use por or para?


What's the difference between 'por' y 'para'?


How do I conjugate tener, ser, ir and hacer in the preterite tense in Spanish?


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