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🇪🇸 Spanish🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ser vs Estar

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Ser vs Estar

In Spanish,serandestarboth mean “to be,” but they are used in different ways.Seris used for more permanent, lasting, or defining qualities, whileestaris used for temporary states, conditions, or locations. Here’s how to know which one to use:

Ser

Serdescribeswhatsomething is. For example:
  1. Identity: Who or what someone is (name, profession, nationality).
  2. Characteristics: Permanent or long-lasting traits (appearance, personality).
  3. Origin: Where someone or something is from.
  4. Time and Date: Days, dates, and hours.
  5. Possession: Who owns something.
  6. Events: Where and when events take place.

Examples

Expressions

Estar

Estardescribeshowit is (at a given moment). For example:
  1. Location: Where someone or something is (except events).
  2. Temporary Conditions: How someone feels or temporary states.
  3. Ongoing Actions: Actions happening right now (present progressive).
  4. Results of Actions: Conditions resulting from actions (e.g., a door being closed).

Examples

Expressions

Special Adjectives

Some adjectives change meaning depending on whether you useserorestar.

Summary

Useserfor permanent, defining qualities, andestarfor temporary states and locations.

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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025