What is the difference between the Spanish verbs "ser" and "estar"?

In general, ser refers to permanent states and estar refers to to temporary states.In particular, estar can be used for locations, except when talking about events.
For example, Su café está listo = Your coffee is ready.
Estar can also be used to describe an action.
For example, La chica está trabajando = The girl is working.

SB
Answered by Simran B. Spanish tutor

1934 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Traduce la siguiente frase: 'No tendrás éxito en la vida si no trabajas duro.'


How do you form the preterite tense in Spanish?


When do I need to use the present subjunctive in Spanish?


What is the difference between the preterite and imperfect tenses?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning