¿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!