Ser vs. Estar Spanish Grammar

Comprehensive vocabulary and conjugation flashcards for mastering the Spanish verbs SER and ESTAR.

SER

To be. Used for identity, origin, profession, traits, relationships, time/date, and events (describes what something IS).

ESTAR

To be. Used for location, feelings, conditions, states, and results (describes how or where something IS).

SER: yo

soy (I am)

SER: tú

eres (you are)

SER: él / ella / usted

es (he/she is; you are)

SER: nosotros

somos (we are)

SER: vosotros

sois (you all are; mainly used in Spain)

SER: ellos / ustedes

son (they are / you all are)

ESTAR: yo

estoy (I am)

ESTAR: tú

estás (you are)

ESTAR: él / ella / usted

está (he/she is; you are)

ESTAR: nosotros

estamos (we are)

ESTAR: vosotros

estáis (you all are; mainly used in Spain)

ESTAR: ellos / ustedes

están (they are / you all are)

Soy estudiante

I am a student. SER is used for identity or profession.

Él es de México

He is from Mexico. SER is used for origin.

Somos amigos

We are friends. SER is used for relationships.

Hoy es viernes

Today is Friday. SER is used for days, dates, and time.

La fiesta es en mi casa

The party is at my house. SER is used for the location of an event.

Estoy cansado

I am tired. ESTAR describes a current condition.

Ella está feliz

She is happy. ESTAR describes a current feeling.

Estamos en casa / El teléfono está aquí

We are at home / The phone is here. ESTAR is used for location.

La puerta está abierta

The door is open. ESTAR describes its current state.

Él es aburrido vs. Él está aburrido

'Él es aburrido' means he is boring (SER describes what kind of person he is); 'Él está aburrido' means he is bored (ESTAR describes how he feels).

Ella es bonita vs. Ella está bonita hoy

'Ella es bonita' means she is pretty (SER describes a characteristic); 'Ella está bonita hoy' means she looks pretty today (ESTAR describes how she appears now).

Permanent vs. Temporary rule (SER vs. ESTAR)

Helpful shortcut, but not exact. Better rule: SER = identity/traits; ESTAR = state/location.