PMP Complete Spanish Grammar - 3.3 (ser/estar)

ser aburrido(a)

to be boring

[Someone who would always eat a burrito that is plain is a boring, abhorrent person.]

estar aburrido(a)

to be bored

[I’m bored right now. Give me some spice. A burrito needs some salsa maybe.]

ser bueno(a)

to be good

[I’m a good person.]

estar bueno(a)

to be fine, tasty

[That’s a good steak.]

ser listo(a)

to be clever

[The British would say you are a clever student if you make the Dean’s list.]

estar listo(a)

to be ready

[I’m ready to go right now! Put me on the list.]

ser malo(a)

to be bad

[I sneaked a Mallo Cup. I’m bad boy.]

estar malo(a)

to be ill

[I ate Mallo cups for breakfast. Now I’m sick and can’t go to school today.]

ser orgulloso(a)

to be conceited, vain

[What gall gulls have. The little so-and-so. As vain as a rooster weather vane. (vain.org)]

estar orgulloso(a)

to be proud

[I am proud today to be made a member of this org. (They are oh so gullible.]

ser pálido(a)

to be pale compexioned

[If you are pale complexioned, you should be careful in the sun. Your pallidness could change to redness.]

estar pálido(a)

to be pale

[The face of the paladin turned pale as he felt the sword tear his flesh.]

ser rico(a)

to be rich

[Richie Rich, who is richer than God, got arrested on a RICO charge.]

estar rico(a)

to be tasty

[That ricotta is so tasty and flavorfully rich.]

ser seguro(a)

to be safe

[As the hymn says, “Safe and secure from all alarms.”]

estar seguro(a)

to be sure, certain

[“Are you sure?” “I’m certain and secure in my opinion off the top of my head.”]

ser viejo(a)

to be old

[The Roman Vetus Cletus was a little old man who always walked the Via Horace.]

estar viejo(a)

to look old

[GI Joe looks old because he is now VA Joe.]

ser vivo(a)

to be sharp

[Bebo has a quick, lively, and sharp mind.]

estar vivo(a)

to be alive

[“Is he dead?” “No, at the moment Bebo is alive and vital.”]