When do I use the verbs ser or estar?

SER and ESTAR both mean TO BE in Spanish. The main difference between them is that SER refers to more permanent traits of someone or something, while ESTAR refers to transient conditions. See the difference between them in the following examples: We use the verb SER to say who or what you are: Soy Manolo = I am Manolo Soy inteligente = I am inteligent Soy estudiante = I am a student Son las ocho en punto = It's eight o'clock Soy español = I am Spanish Es mi camiseta = It's my T-shirt La fiesta es en casa de Pepa = The party is at Pepa's house *More specifically, SER is used for these situations: The hour, day and date; place of origin; occupation; nationality; religious or political affiliation; the material something is made of; possession; relationship of one person to another; where an event is taking place; essential qualities (what makes this thing something). We use the verb ESTAR to say where (geographic or phisical location), how (emotions) you are and for progressive tenses (-ing): Estoy en la casa de mi madre = I am at my mother's house Estoy preocupado por la salud de mi perro = I am worried about my dog's health La sopa está fría = The soup is cold Estamos jugando al baloncesto = We are playing basketball