ser y estar Flashcards
ser and estar both mean mean “to be”
They are used in different situations and have different meanings.
Some adjectives have different meanings depending on whether they are used with ser or with estar.
La bailarina es bonita. - The dancer is pretty. (She is a pretty person.)
La bailarina esta muy bonita hoy. The dancer looks pretty today.
El comico es aburrido. - The comic is boring.
El comico esta aburrido - The comic is bored.
El cantante es rico. - The singer is rich.
El postre esta rico. - The dessert is delicious.
Use ser:
To describe permanent characteristics of objects and people
That song is very original.
Esa cancion es muy original.
That song is very original
Use ser:
to indicate origin, nationality, or profession
My aunt is a writer. She is from Madrid.
Mi tia es escritora. Es de Madrid
My aunt is a writer. She is from Madrid.
Use ser:
to indicate when and where something takes place
The concert is on Friday. It is in the theater.
El concierto es el viernes. Es en el teatro.
The concert is on Friday. It is in the theater.
Use ser:
to indicate possession
The guitar belongs to Elena.
La guitarra es de Elena.
The guitar belongs to Elena.
Use estar:
to describe temporary characteristics, emotional states, or conditions
singular: The theater is closed at this hour.
plural: The actors are very nervous.
singular: El teatro esta cerrado a esta hora.
The theater is closed at this hour.
plural: Los actores estan muy nerviosos.
The actors are very nervous.
Use estar:
to indicate location
The band is on the stage.
El conjunto esta en el escenario.
The band is on the stage.
Use estar:
to form the progressive tense (something that is ongoing).
The ballet dancer is interpreting Cabral.
El bailarin esta interpretando a Cabral.
The ballet dancer is interpreting Cabral.
