The Difference Between Ser and Estar

Click Here to learn how to conjugate irregular Spanish verbs quickly and with ease

The Difference Between Ser and Estar

‘When do you use Ser and Estar in Spanish?’… is one of the earliest and most common verb related questions that students of Spanish will ask and as with everything else related to Spanish verbs there are clear rules that relate to the difference between ser and estar that will easily eliminate any potential question of whether you should be using one or the other?

Obviously, when there are two verbs that both translate the same into English, yet are used for different things, there is always going to be confusion but there is one quick rule that you should learn that will help you decide which verb to use in the battle of ser vs estar, or, as I like to call it… ‘to be or not to be‘.

The rule is that unless you are describing location or, a temporary state or condition, the verb ser is pretty much always used, if you are still a little confused here are full and detailed explanations of what both ser and estar are used for and when:

When Ser should be used…

When used with adjectives to describe characteristics:

• El coche es gris. – The car is grey.
• Soy feliz. – I am happy by nature.
• Las niñas son malas. – The girls are bad.
• La sopa es calor. – The soup is hot

When indicating origin, identity or nature: For example, occupation, what something is made from, where someone come from or lives and religious identity or ethnicity.

• Soy de Gales. – I am from Wales.
• Soy un mecánico. – I am a mechanic.
• Soy Juan – I am Juan
• La corbata es seda. – The tie is made of silk.
• Mi tío es un católico bueno. – My uncle is a good catholic.
• Su hermano es más joven – Her brother is younger.
• My father is very intelligent. – My father is very intelligent.

When one wishes to indicate possession or ownership, both in a literal sense or as a figuratively speaking:

• El perro es mío. – The dog is mine.
• Este coche es el suyo.- This car is his.
• Este año es de Barcelona. – This year belongs to Barcelona.

Ser is also used along with past participles to form the passive voice although the passive voice is used much less frequently than it is in English:

• La canción fue oída. – The song was heard.
• Estas cucharas son utilizadas para comer. – These spoons are used for eating.
• El hombre fue atacado en su propia casa. – The man was attacked in his own home.

When telling the time:

• Es la una. – It is 1 o’clock
• Son las treis. – It is 3 o’clock.

When explaining where an event takes place: This should not be confused with describing location which is when estar is used.

• El carnaval es en el centro urbano. – The carnival is in the town center.
• La fiesta será en el ayuntamiento. – The party will be in the town hall

In impersonal statements:

• Es muy importante. – It is very important.
• Es su decisión. – It’s your decision.
• Fue difícil. – It was difficult.
• Es sorprendente. – It is surprising.

>

When Estar should be used…

When indicating a temporary state or condition:

• Estoy enfermo. – I am sick
• Está muy feliz. – He is very happy

When indicating location, not of an event as ser is used for this.:

• Mi hermano está en Nueva York. – My brother is in New York
• Estamos en casa. – We are at home.

When indicating suitability:

• La camiseta te está grande. – The tee-shirt is large for you.
• Esta manzana está deliciosa. – This apple tastes good

Hopefully, this explanation should help you when deciding which of the two, ‘to be’, verbs to use and clearly show the difference between ser and estar but if you are also struggling with learning the conjugation of both verbs then you should consider using a verb conjugation training program to help you overcome your difficulties and there is no better tool to help you do this than the verbarrator and you will be able to make an informed decision on this by reading my verbarrator review.

For more about the differences between ser and estar read my post ‘ Why the Spanish Verb Ser is So Important ‘