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)).

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