How do I know when to use SER or ESTAR

Both SER and ESTAR mean TO BE in Spanish but are used in different situations. Ser gives a more permenant meaning than estar. Here's an example: está enferma and es enferma both mean she's ill literally. You need to use the first one (estar) as it's a current state and not a permenant one 

The easiest way to remember it is to remember it is to use these little tricks:

For SER: The DOCTOR numonic

Description - Es imposible 

Occupatoin - Soy profesora 

Characteristic - Eres inteligente 

Time - Es la fin de semana 

Origin - Mis primos son italianos 

Relationship - Pilar es mi madre 

And for ESTAR there's a little rhyme: how you feel and where you are, that is when you use estar. EG. 'Estamos en colegio' or 'Estoy contenta'.

Also don't forgot to use ESTAR + present participle if using the continuous present tense. EG: estoy corriendo (not soy corriendo)

And that's it :) just remember the numonic and the rhyme and you can't go wrong. 

Answered by Amy H. Spanish tutor

4953 Views

See similar Spanish GCSE tutors

Related Spanish GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I know when to use the preterite and imperfect tenses?


What is the difference between the preterite and imperfect tenses?


What's the difference between 'por' y 'para'?


You've been asked by a friend why you spend so much time on your phone. You decide to send her a text in response, explaining the benefits of technology and possible problems which arise from overuse.


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 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy