Spanish Lesson 1: “Estar” vs “Ser”
Key Idea:
Estar (Está / Estás / Estoy...) → Used for temporary states or locations. Ser (Es / Soy / Eres...) → Used for permanent traits, identity, or intrinsic qualities.
Using “Estar” (Temporary or Location) Formula: Subject + form of estar + complement
Examples:
Yo estoy cansado. → I am tired. (temporary state) Tú estás feliz. → You are happy. (temporary emotion) Él está en casa. → He is at home. (location) Nosotros estamos ocupados. → We are busy. (temporary condition) Ellos están en la escuela. → They are at school. (location)
Using “Ser” (Permanent or Intrinsic) Formula: Subject + form of ser + complement
Examples:
Yo soy alto. → I am tall. (permanent trait) Tú eres inteligente. → You are intelligent. (intrinsic quality) Ella es doctora. → She is a doctor. (profession / identity) Nosotros somos amigos. → We are friends. (relationship) Ellos son de México. → They are from Mexico. (origin) Quick Tip: If you can change it easily → use estar. If it’s part of who or what something is → use ser.