Ser vs. Estar Flashcards
In general when do you use ser?
when talking about essence, nature and identity (values/personality within someone)
In general when do you use estar?
when talking about condition or state (temporary)
What does ser + adjective describe?
people, animals and things
ser is used to refer to physical appearance (e.g. shape, height, colour) personality traits and nationality
nosotros somos españoles (we are Spanish)
When do you use ser + noun or pronoun
to say what someone/something is
Madrid es la capital de España (Madrid is the capital of Spain)
Ser de is used to refer to where someone or something comes from. Give an example
Soy de Londres
Nuestra profesora es de Bilbao (our teacher is from Bilbao)
Ser de is used to express possession. Give an example
El libro es de tu hermano
El dinero es mío (the money is mine)
Ser de is used to express what something is made of. Give an example
La mesa es de madera
La lámpara es de plástico
Ser para is used to indicate purpose or recipient. Give an example
El cuchillo es para cortar (the knife is for cutting)
Esta televisión es para ti (the television is for you)
Ser is used to refer to the price of something. Give an example
Cuánto es? Son 300 euros
Ser is used to say refer to time and date. Give an example
Es la una
Son las dos y cuarto de la tarde (afternoon)
Hoy es domingo (it’s Sunday today)
Ser is used to refer to say when/where something is taking place. Give an example
La fiesta es a las nueve
Ser + adjective is used to express subjective opinions or reaction to events. Give an example
Es increíble!
Es extraño que Juan no venga (it is strange that Juan won’t come)
