Ser v. EstarEsp. 1 Avancemos 5.1

Both verbs mean “to be”

SerEstar

Remeber their conjugations?

Soy Somos

Eres Sois

Es Son

Estoy Estamos

Estás Estáis

Está Están

Ser Estar

So what’s the difference?

Using Ser

Use SER to indicate ORIGIN: where someone or something is from.

SOY de Quito = I’m from Quito (Ecuador).

Using Ser

Use SER to DESCRIBE personal traits and physical characteristics.

Los estudiantes SON inteligentes = The students are intelligent.

Using Ser

SER is also used to indicate PROFESSION

La Señora Ilarri ES maestra = Mrs. Ilarri is a teacher.

Using Estar

Use ESTAR to indicate LOCATION: where someone or something is.

Quito ESTÁ en Ecuador = Quito is in Ecuador.

Using Estar

ESTAR is also used to DESCRIBE CONDITIONS, such as how someone feels.

 Physical. ¿Cómo ESTÁS? = How are you?

 Emotional. ESTAMOS contentos = We are happy

RECAP-SER V. ESTAR

SEROriginPersonal traits/characteristicsProfessions

ESTARLocation

ConditionsFeelings