Spanish is unique in that it has two verbs which mean ‘to be’. One must memorize which one to use for each situation. The verb ser describes the essence of something. Although everything changes with time, ser is used to describe qualities that do not normally change overnight. The verb estar is mainly concerned with location and temporary states of being. It also functions as an auxiliary verb in Spanish.
Sometimes both verbs are correct, with a different meaning:
Estoy feliz. = I am happy (now).
Soy feliz. = I am happy (generally).
Ser
1. States nationality and origin
2. Used for profession including students
3. Describes personality
4. Describes characteristic appearance
5. Used for materials ‘made of’
6. Used as an identifier
7. Used to show relationships
8. Used to identify possession
9. Used with date and time
10. Used to explain where events take place
11. Used for generalizations
Estar
1. Expresses temporary conditions and emotions
2. Used for location
3. Used for impressions, sensory reactions
4. Used as an auxiliary verb with the gerund
5. Used to express results of actions
Other Ways to Express ‘to Be’
1. Tener is used in certain expressions ie. tengo hambre
2. Hay expresses ‘there is/are.’
3. Hacer is used to describe the weather.
Ser and Estar Practice
Paco and Rosa are friends who have run into each other on the street. Please read the dialogue and give the reason for each use of ser and estar.
Paco: ¿Cómo estás (1)?
Rosa: Bien. ¿Qué haces hoy?
Paco: Tengo mi clase de inglés.
Rosa: ¿Cuándo?
Paco: La clase es (2) a las tres.
Rosa: ¿De dónde es (3) tu profesor?
Paco: De Inglaterra.
Rosa: ¿Dónde es (4) la clase?
Paco: Es en mi oficina.
Rosa: ¿Estámos (5) cerca de tu oficina?
Paco: No, pero tengo un auto hoy.
Rosa: ¿Es (6) nuevo?
Paco: Sí. Es nuevo, negro y caro.
Rosa: ¿Es (7) tu auto?
Paco: No, es de mi esposa. Mi auto está (8) roto (broken). Mi mecánico está (9) reparando el auto ahora.
Rosa: ¡Qué horrible! Los mecánicos son (10) todos muy caros.
