The Differences between "ser" and "estar"

Overview

There are two verbs that mean “to be” in Spanish, ser and estar. Ser is used in a simple way, to talk about WHAT something is (permanent state). To describe characteristics that are an essential part of the thing we’re talking about. Estar is used to talk about HOW something is (temporary state), so we use it for conditions, locations, emotions, and actions.

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stephen
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Now that we know that we have two verbs meaning “to be” in Spanish, how do we know how to choose between them? In our previous lessons we talked about the verbs SER and ESTAR and how they both mean “to be” in Spanish. Today, we are going to talk about how to know when to use each one.

The easiest way to choose between SER and ESTAR is to decide if the sentence is about:

  1. Location
  2. Condition/Feeling
    OR
  3.  Present Progressive Tense (-ing)

If the sentence is about one of these topics above, you use ESTAR! If the sentence does not involve one of these scenarios, you will use SER.

Here are the scenarios for using SER:

  1. Description
  2. Occupation
  3. Time
  4. Origin
  5. Possession

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stephen

Zocalo Square and Mexico City Cathedral - Mexico City, Mexico

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Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The CEFR is an international standard used to describe language ability. Here are specific details of the CEFR for this topic.

General Explanation:
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Specific Capabilities at this Level
Writing:
I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.
Spoken Production:
I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know.
Spoken Interaction:
I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I’m trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
Reading:
I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
Listening:
I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.