What is the difference between 'es' and 'está?'

This is a very common mistake made by Spanish learners. Identifying the times to use these different verbs is essential for a high grade and for accuracy in both written and spoken language. The mistake is made because both of these words translate in English to 'it is,' and there is only one way of saying 'it is' in English. However, in Spanish, these 2 words are used in different situations, which I will now briefly outline.
'Es' is used when describing something permanent, such as a physical or personality characteristic. E.g. That man is very tall = Ese hombre es muy alto 'Está,' however, is used to describe a temporary state. This could be a location or an emotional state.E.g. She is very sad today = Hoy, está muy triste

RH
Answered by Rebecca H. Spanish tutor

9474 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Translate the following sentence into Spanish: "I would like to visit Sevilla with my friends, but they want to go to Madrid"


How should I write a letter in Spanish?


How do we form the preterite tense?


How long ago? For how long? Using the verb 'hacer' to express the passage of time.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences