Ser vs. Estar: When to Use the Correct Verb “To Be” in Spanish

SER and ESTAR, they both mean “to be”?! Why does the Spanish language have two verbs expressing “to be” while in English there is only one? Both verbs have very specific uses, so there is no picking and choosing which one to use on a whim. The two “To be” verbs in Spanish; SER and ESTAR cannot be used interchangeably. Learn how to use SER and ESTAR correctly!

Students often think that SER describes permanence and ESTAR describes temporariness. While it may seem true, a better way to think of the difference is that SER describes inherent characteristics while ESTAR describes characteristics that are induced.

Let’s see some examples:

• El fuego es caliente = Fire is hot. (Fire is inherently hot- no one made it so).
• El té está caliente = The tea is hot. (Someone heated it; it’s not inherently hot- indeed, sometimes it’s iced!).
• El pescado es bueno = Fish is good. (General statement- fish is good (e.g. good for one’s health)).
• El pescado está bueno = The fish is good. (This particular fish has good flavor because it was prepared well).
• ¿Cómo es Roberto? = What is Roberto like? (Asking about his looks and personality).
• ¿Cómo está Roberto? = How is Roberto? (Asking how he feels/about his state of health).

Whether you are an advanced Spanish speaker or just starting out learning this great language, this tool will help you wherever you are on the Spanish learning spectrum (from novice to advanced). 

SER and ESTAR cannot be used interchangeably; each verb has its own context and meaning can change significantly if one verb is substituted for another. 

Check out these examples that show just how different the meanings change depending on which verb you use … 

Learn and Practice the Uses of Ser and Estar in Spanish

Let’s start the lesson by learning the SER and ESTAR verb conjugations in present tense. This is the first verb tense you need to master because it shows you the main structure and use of both verbs.

Las conjugaciones de SER
Yo…Soy	I…Am
Tú…Eres	You…Are
Él, Ella, Usted…Es	He, She, (You)… Is
Nosotros, Nosotras…Somos	We…Are
Vosotros…Sois	You… Are (Spanish from Spain form)
Ellos, Ellas, Ustedes…Son	They, You…Are

Las conjugaciones de ESTAR
Yo…Estoy	I…Am
Tú…Estás	You…Are
Él, Ella, Usted…Está	He, She, (You)… Is
Nosotros, Nosotras…Estamos	We…Are
Vosotros…Estáis	You… Are
Ellos, Ellas, Ustedes…Están	They, You…Are

How to choose between SER or ESTAR correctly?

Context determines which verb to use. It is important to consider the context when deciding which verb to use. In order to help you determine the uses based on context GRAB this SER and ESTAR cheat sheet and learn the acronym SHARPEN the EDGES to help you memorize when to which.

Now you give it a try…

Here are some simple examples for you to try this new knowledge. Choose one option between SER or ESTAR, write down your answers and check if they are right below 🙂

Get more SER and ESTAR practice exercises here!

I packaged all of this into easily downloadable .pdf notes–Get your copy for free today!

Do you want more practice? Check our Quizlet sets about SER & ESTAR:

• SER with Physical Characteristics to describe people, places, things
• SER with Character Traits
• ESTAR with emotions, conditions, states of being