The verbs ser and estar
In Spanish, the verbs ser and estar are the equivalent of the verb to be in English. However, these two verbs have different meanings in Spanish. Let’s see the differences:
VERB SER
- To identify. Example: I am Cristina
- To indicate origin or nationality. Example: I am Spanish
- To express profession: I am an actor
- To place the day and time: It’s Friday. It’s six in the afternoon.
- To express possession: This bicycle belongs to my mother
- To indicate quantity and price: It’s ten euros
- Permanent descriptions: I am a happy, blond man
The verb ser is the following:
- Yo soy
- Tú eres
- Él/ ella/ usted es
- Nosotros somos
- Vosotros sois
- Ellos/ ellas/ ustedes son
VERB ESTAR
Locations: I am in the Bahamas
Locations: I am at work
Feelings, emotions and moods: I am very happy.
The verb to be is the following:
- Yo estoy
- Tú estás
- Él/ ella/ está
- Nosotros estamos
- Vosotros estáis
- Ellos/ ellas están
