How to know when to use 'ser' and 'estar'?

In english 'ser' and 'estar' are both translated as 'to be', but are used differently. 'Ser' is used when when it's a permanent reality, for scenarios that are always true and don't depend on any circumstance. For instance, 'las verduras son saludables' meaning 'vegetables are healthy' and 'Carla es simpática' meaning 'Carla is nice'. In both cases, as the verb ' ser' is used, are facts that are always true. On the other hand, 'estar' is a punctual fact, something circunstancial and occasional, that doesn't have to be always true. For example, 'esta comida está deliciosa' meaning 'this food is delicious' and 'Carla está simpática' meaning ' Carla is nice', but in this case, Carla is nice in this particular moment, not always. Moreover, 'estar' is also used for location and temporary states: 'Juan está en el médico' and 'ser' when describing a quality, a job, a physical or emotional state: 'Juan es médico'.

CS

Related Spanish A Level answers

All answers ▸

The difference between ser and estar.


Basandote en tu comprension de la obra "Las bicicletas son para el verano" de Fernando Fernán Gómez , cómo ha la guerra civil afectado el desarrollo de Luis?


When do I use the present subjunctive in Spanish?


¿Cómo juegan un papel los temas de la muerte y la fatalidad en Crónica de una muerte anunciada en la dirección de la trama del libro?