logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
March 5, 2022 by Luis F. Dominguez Spanish Grammar 0 comments

Ser vs Estar Master Grammar Guide: Conjugations, Usage, and Transformative Adjectives

“Should you use ser or estar?” That is the question.

If you’ve ever asked that same question yourself, you’re part of the 99% of Spanish students who wonder why on Earth the Spanish language needs two verbs to express what in English you can say with only one (“to be”).

To be fair, that’s how it works in most Romance languages, but I digress. Ser and estar are the two translations of the verb “to be” in English, and they’re two of the most common verbs in Spanish. 

If your goal is to be fluent in Spanish one day, you definitely need to master these verbs.

Follow this grammar guide step by step to achieve that quite easily. In it, I introduce you to the definitions of ser and estar, the differences between them, rules for when to use them, conjugation charts, and a list of adjectives that work better with one or the other. Finally, access a list of example sentences with both ser and estar and take a practice quiz to test your knowledge! 


Table of Contents:

  • Definitions of Ser and Estar
  • Differences Between Ser and Estar
  • Ser and Estar Conjugations
  • Adjectives in Spanish List
  • Spanish Sentences Using Ser and Estar
  • Ser vs Estar Practice Quiz
  • Master Ser and Estar and Improve Your Spanish

Definitions of Ser and Estar

The verbs ser and estar are two of the most essential verbs in the Spanish language and they’re always taught together, as they’re closely related. Both translate to English as “to be,” which is arguably the most important verb in the language of Shakespeare. 

To learn more about why in Spanish we use two (or even three) verbs to express the same things that can be said in English with one verb, I recommend reading Ser vs Estar vs Tener: All the Ways to Say ‘I am’ in Spanish. 

For now, I’ll focus on the definitions of ser vs estar, and from there I’ll walk you through all the specifics and particularities of these useful verbs.  

The verbs ser and estar are two of the most essential verbs in the Spanish language.

Definition of Ser

Ser expresses the “essence of things.” In other words, what makes something what it is. It conveys an idea of permanent states, and that’s why you use it when talking about qualities that (usually) don’t change. 

Definition of Estar

Estar, on the other hand, expresses the idea of being in a place or state. Estar expresses “how” something is, instead of “what” (or “who” in the case of people). It’s a verb that conveys an idea of temporary states, and that’s where the difference between ser and estar is more easily identified. 

Differences Between Ser and Estar

As you can see from their respective definitions, the differences between these two common Spanish verbs have to do with what (and who) vs how, and permanent vs temporary states. 

However, that’s just the starting point, as both ser and estar have multiple meanings and uses. 

A better way to understand the differences between these two verbs is to study their uses. 

When to Use Ser

Use ser to talk about the essential characteristics of someone or something, inherent qualities, and permanent states. Specifically, use ser in the following five situations: 

1. Descriptions

Use ser for physical descriptions, personality traits, and describing an object. 

Miguel es muy amable. 
Miguel is very kind. 

La mesa es un poco pequeña para esas sillas. 
The table is a bit small for those chairs. 

Miguel es muy amable. 

2. Origin

Use ser to discuss the place of origin of a person or the material something is made of. 

María es de La Habana, Cuba.
Maria is from Havana, Cuba. 

La camisa de José es de seda.
Jose’s shirt is made of silk. 

3. Occupation 

When talking about someone’s occupation, job, or profession, always use ser. 

Pedro es un excelente abogado. 
Pedro is an excellent lawyer. 

4. Time

If you’re talking about dates, years, months, days, or the time on your clock, you should use ser, too. 

Hoy es 23 de julio. 
Today is July 23rd. 

Son las tres y media.
It’s half past three. 

5. Possession

Use ser when talking about property or possession. 

Este es el coche de Juan. 
This is Juan’s car. 

When to Use Estar

Use estar to talk about temporary states, particularly in the following five situations: 

1. Emotions

The thing about emotions is that they’re temporary. You might be sad right now, but in a couple of hours you’ll be happy, nervous, excited, or upset. Always use estar when talking about emotions and moods. 

Mamá está feliz por su nuevo trabajo. 
Mom is happy with her new job. 

Mamá está feliz por su nuevo trabajo. 

2. Location

If you want to express the idea of location, you need to use estar. 

La Península de Yucatán está en México.
Yucatan’s Peninsula is in Mexico. 

3. Physical Position

Use estar when talking about someone’s physical position (including your own).

Mi abuelo está acostado en su cama.
My grandfather is lying in his bed. 

4. Conditions

Physical and mental conditions tend to change over time. For that reason, you use estar when talking about them. 

Mi hermana está enferma.
My sister is sick. 

5. Ongoing Actions

If you’re going to talk about ongoing actions, you need to use estar followed by another verb in its gerund form (-ando, -iendo).

Carlos está trabajando duro estos días. 
Carlos is working hard these days. 

Ser and Estar Conjugations

Let’s take a look at the conjugation of the verbs ser and estar in the present, preterite, and imperfect tense. 

Watch this interesting video explaining the conjugations of both verbs. Read these articles with the full conjugation sets of ser and estar, which include every mood and tense in the Spanish language. 

Ser Conjugation

SubjectPresentPreteriteImperfect
yosoyfuiera
túeresfuisteeras
él / ellaesfueera
nosotrossomosfuimoséramos
ustedessonfueroneran
ellos, ellassonfueroneran

Estar Conjugation

SubjectPresentPreteriteImperfect
yoestoyestuveestaba
túestásestuvisteestabas
él / ellaestáestuvoestaba
nosotrosestamosestuvimosestábamos
ustedesestánestuvieronestaban
ellos, ellasestánestuvieronestaban

Adjectives in Spanish List

Besides learning when to use each verb and how to conjugate them, you also need to master the adjectives that work better with ser and those that should only be used with estar. 

First, here’s a list of common Spanish adjectives that only work with one of these verbs. Later we’ll discuss how some adjectives change their meaning according to the verb you’re using. 

Adjectives to Use Only with Ser

Use the following list of adjectives only with ser. For a more complete understanding of how adjectives work with ser, read ‘Ser’ Adjectives and How to Use Them in Spanish Sentences. 

Adjective in SpanishAdjective in EnglishExample Sentence
capaz capableRodrigo es capaz de hacer alguna locura. Rodrigo is capable of doing something crazy.
comúncommonEsto es muy común.
This is very common.
famoso/afamousShakira es muy famosa en Europa.
Shakira is really famous in Europe.
importanteimportantEl presidente de Estados Unidos es muy importante.
The US president is very important.
inteligenteintelligentEinstein era muy inteligente.
Einstein was very intelligent. 
posiblepossibleEs posible que me mude a Buenos Aires.
It’s possible that I will move to Buenos Aires.
simpático/akindCarla es muy simpática conmigo.
Carla is very kind to me.
suficienteenoughLo que gano es suficiente para mi familia.
What I earn is enough for my family.
único/auniqueEsa pintura es única.
That painting is unique.

Adjectives to Use Only with Estar

Use the following list of adjectives exclusively with estar. 

Adjective in SpanishAdjective in EnglishExample
asustado/ascaredJorge está asustado porque no encuentra trabajo. Jorge is scared because he can’t find a job
bienwell¿Estás bien?Are you okay?
contento/apleased, happyEstoy muy contento de que estés aquí.I’m very pleased that you’re here. 
enfermo/asickMi abuelita está muy enferma. My grandma is very sick.
enojado/aangry, madEl maestro está enojado conmigo. The teacher is mad at me.
escondido/ahiddenEl dinero está escondido debajo de mi colchón.The money is hidden under my mattress.
malwrongEsto está mal. This is wrong.
preocupado/aworriedEstoy preocupado por mis amigos.I’m worried about my friends.
satisfecho/asatisfied¿Estás satisfecho con tu esfuerzoAre you satisfied with your effort?

Meaning-Changing Adjectives

The following list includes Spanish adjectives that change their meaning depending on which verb you use with them, their English meanings, sentences with ser, and sentences with estar in Spanish. 

1. Aburrido/a

Meaning with ser: boring

La novia de Carlos es aburrida. 
Carlos’ girlfriend is boring. 

Meaning with estar: bored 

La novia de Carlos está aburrida.
Carlos’ girlfriend is bored.

La novia de Carlos está aburrida.

2. Bueno/a

Meaning with ser: good

Jorge es bueno.
Jorge is good.

Meaning with estar: attractive

Jorge está bueno.
Jorge is attractive. 

3. Interesado/a

Meaning with ser: to be self-interested

Tu amigo es un interesado.
Your friend is a self-interested person. 

Meaning with estar: to be interested in something or someone

Tu amigo está interesado en comprar un coche.
Your friend is interested in buying a car.

4. Listo/a

Meaning with ser: clever

Soy listo.
I’m clever.

Meaning with estar: ready

Estoy listo.
I’m ready.

5. Malo/a

Meaning with ser: to be bad

Erika es mala. 
Erika is bad.

Meaning with estar: to be expired (with food), or to be ill (with people)

Erika está mala. 
Erika is ill.

Erika está mala. 

6. Orgulloso/a

Meaning with ser: prideful

Mi papá es orgulloso.
My dad is prideful.

Meaning with estar: to be proud

Mi papá está orgulloso de mí. 
My dad is proud of me.

7. Pesado/a

Meaning with ser: annoying

Soy muy pesado. 
I’m very annoying.

Meaning with estar: heavy

Estoy muy pesado.
I’m very heavy.

8. Rico/a

Meaning with ser: rich

Bill Gates es muy rico.
Bill Gates is very rich.

Meaning with estar: tasty

La cena estuvo rica.
Dinner was tasty.

9. Seguro/a

Meaning with ser: safe

Aquí estás segura.
Here you’re safe.

Meaning with estar: sure

Estoy seguro que me darán el trabajo. 
I’m sure I’ll get the job. 

Spanish Sentences Using Ser and Estar

Now, it’s time for some practice with more ser vs estar examples:

Example Sentences With Ser

Yo soy escritor. 
I’m a writer. 

Tú eres colombiano.
You’re Colombian. 

La escuela es bonita.
The school is beautiful.

Esta es la oficina de mi papá.
This is my dad’s office.

El coche de Mónica es azul.
Monica’s car is blue.

El coche de Mónica es azul.

Hoy es lunes.
Today is Monday. 

Mi hermana es la niña más inteligente de su clase.
My sister is the smartest girl in her class.

El vendedor es muy amable.
The salesman is very kind.

La clase de español es interesante.
The Spanish lesson is interesting.

Ella es mi mamá. 
She’s my mom.

Example Sentences With Estar

Estoy en mi casa.
I’m at my house.

¿Estás enojada conmigo?
Are you mad at me?

Estamos cenando ahora mismo. 
We’re having dinner right now.

¿Dónde está tu salón?
Where is your classroom?

Estoy parado afuera de tu casa.
I’m standing up outside your house.

Pedro está muy cansado.
Pedro is very tired.

Mamá está preocupada por ti.
Mom is worried about you. 

Estoy muy bien, gracias.
I’m very well, thank you. 

Te estamos esperando a ti nada más.
We’re just waiting for you.

Estoy listo para el examen.
I’m ready for the exam.

Ser vs Estar Practice Quiz

Quiz CTA

Finally, take a quick quiz to test your ser and estar knowledge. Watch this video for more quizzes and practice materials on this topic.

1. Rocío __________ estudiando en su casa.

Correct! Wrong!

2. El hospital __________ muy moderno.

Correct! Wrong!

3. __________ las ocho de la noche.

Correct! Wrong!

4. Mi hermano __________ policía.

Correct! Wrong!

5. Ese __________ mi coche.

Correct! Wrong!

6. México __________ en Norteamérica.

Correct! Wrong!

7. __________ sentado en la segunda fila.

Correct! Wrong!

8. Mi novia __________ muy inteligente.

Correct! Wrong!

9. Mi abuelo __________ un gran ejemplo a seguir.

Correct! Wrong!

10. Yo __________ muy triste por lo que pasó.

Correct! Wrong!

Ser vs Estar
Wow, you've mastered the ser and estar in Spanish! Good job!

Congrats you're a pro

You've got a solid understanding of how to use the verbs ser and estar in every tense and the quality of your Spanish conversations are exploding through the roof!
You've almost mastered ser and estar in Spanish. Your consistent practice is leading to better results!

You're Getting Better!

As you keep up your hard work and practice, you're starting to understand better how to use ser and estar in different tenses and with different pronouns. For more study materials, keep up-to-date with our newest published blog posts at Homeschool Spanish Academy. *YOU'RE ALMOST THERE! You can do it!* Do you prefer learning with videos? Check out our YouTube channel Spanish Academy TV for the best Spanish learning content on the web!
Practice makes perfect! Keep on studying!

Keep on studying

Your motivation to learn Spanish is an essential ingredient to success! If you're ready to take your Spanish to the next level and master the usage of ser and estar, then join us for a free Spanish class with one of our friendly, certified, native Spanish-speaking teachers from Guatemala. Sign up today!

Master Ser and Estar and Improve Your Spanish

Ser and estar both mean “to be.” That’s why sometimes it’s challenging for native English speakers to differentiate when to use each of these verbs. Things get even more complicated when you include tener as another way to say “I am.” However, by following this grammar guide, you’ll quickly master the use of this pair of important verbs. 

Sign up for a free trial class with one of our certified, native-speaking teachers from Guatemala and master the use of ser and estar today. Homeschool Spanish Academy has been providing reliable Spanish services for more than 10 years, and we offer flexible scheduling and tailored Spanish programs. 

certified teachers
free Spanish class button

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

Sharon K, Parent of 3

“This is the best way for your kid to learn Spanish. It’s one-on-one, taught by native Spanish speakers, and uses a curriculum.”

– Sharon K, Parent of 3

- William R, Parent of 3

“My Son, Heath, is taking the classes. He’s been with Luisa the entire time and we absolutely love her. She is always patient and is a great teacher. Heath’s dad speaks Spanish so they get to have little conversations.”– William R, Parent of 3

- Karie Ann, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

Ready to learn more Spanish grammar? Check these out!

  • Solo vs Solamente: What’s the Difference?
  • What Is an Infinitive in Spanish?
  • How To Use the Spanish Verb ‘Parecer’
  • Having Fun in Spanish Using the Verb ‘Divertirse’
  • How to Use the ‘Personal A’ in Spanish: Do’s and Don’ts
  • Hacer Conjugation: Free Spanish Lesson, Exercises, and PDF
  • How To Write Dates in Spanish
  • ‘Tener’ Subjunctive Mood: How To Use It the Right Way
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Follow me
Luis F. Dominguez
Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy
Luis F. Domínguez is a freelance writer and independent journalist interested in travel, languages, art, books, history, philosophy, politics and sports. He has written for Fodor’s, Yahoo!, Sports Illustrated, Telemundo, and Villa Experience, among other brands of print and digital media in Europe and North America.
Follow me
Latest posts by Luis F. Dominguez (see all)
  • What Is an Infinitive in Spanish? - February 21, 2023
  • 50 Essential Medical Phrases for Your Upcoming Physical - February 20, 2023
  • Love in Spanish: Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions in Latin America - February 8, 2023
grammar grammar quiz spanish grammar
0

Related Posts

Spanish for dummies

Spanish for Dummies [Greetings, Questions, Small Talk, and More]

March 10, 2022
Read More
spanish pronouns

3 Types of Spanish Pronouns to Perfect Your Fluency

May 16, 2021
Read More
you formal in Spanish

How to Say ‘You’ in Formal and Informal Spanish

September 21, 2021
Read More
filler words in Spanish

The Ultimate Guide to Filler Words in Spanish for More Natural Conversations

September 27, 2021
Read More

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

19 Weird Spanish Expressions and Unusual Idioms That Native Speakers SayPrevious Post
50 Best Spanish Podcasts in 2022 for Bilingual Kids of Every AgeNext Post

About Us

With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers’ passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Custom-tailored to fit your needs, you choose your program, schedule, favorite teachers, pace of learning, and more.. Learn More

Resources

  • About
  • Get a Transcript
  • FAQs
  • How it Works
  • Partners

Recent Posts

  • Which Family Language Strategy Works for You?
    Which Family Language Strategy Works for You?
    March 2, 2023
    If you want to help your child learn a new...
  • Are Online Spanish Classes the Future of Language Learning?
    Are Online Spanish Classes the Future of Language Learning?
    March 1, 2023
    Have you ever wondered about the future of...

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us© 2022 HSA. All rights reserved.