Unit 04 - Países, nacionalidades, y números de 0-30 (Countries, Nationalities, and Numbers 0-30) Grammar Flashcards
What is an infinitive verb?
The basic, or unconjugated form of a verb. In English, infinitives begin with the word “to.” “To sing” is the infinitive form of “sing” and “sings.”
Spanish infinitives are always just one word, sand they always end in either -ar, -er, or -ir.
Some Spanish infinitives:
cantar - to sing, an -ar verb
aprender - to learn, an -er verb
escribir - to write, an -ir verb
Translate ser to English
to be
*note: Ser is an infinitive -er verb. It is also an irregular verb, so you need to memorize how it is conjugated.
Memorize how to conjugate Ser.
yo ———————–> soy
tú ————————> eres
él, ella, usted ———–> es
nosotros, nosotras —–> somos
vosotros, vosotras —–> sois
ellos, ellas, usted——-> son
Translate estar to English
to be
*note: estar is an infinitive -ar verb. It is also an irregular verb, so you need to memorize how it is conjugated.
Memorize how to conjugate Estar.
yo ———————–> estoy
tú ————————> estás
él, ella, usted ———–> está
nosotros, nosotras —–> estamos
vosotros, vosotras —–> estáis
ellos, ellas, usted——-> están
Both ser and estar have the same translation into English. They both mean, “to be.”
However, there are special uses for each verb, and we need to choose the correct one when translating English into Spanish.
When is ser generally used?
Ser is generally used to describe what a noun is, or its essential characteristics.
Use Ser when speaking about permanent qualities. (There are also other special uses)
Examples:
The tomato is green in color.
El tomate es verde.
*Note that when using estar, the meaning of the sentence would change.
El tomate está verde.
The tomato is unripe.
Both ser and estar have the same translation into English. They both mean, “to be.”
However, there are special uses for each verb, and we need to choose the correct one when translating English into Spanish.
When is estar generally used?
Estar is generally used to describe how a noun is, or its condition.
Use Estar when speaking about temporary conditions. (There are also other special uses)
Examples:
The tomato is unripe.
El tomate está verde.
*Note that when using ser, the meaning of the sentence would change.
El tomate es verde.
The tomato is green in color.
Ser or Estar?
Yo ___ inteligente.
(I am intelligent)
Ser
Yo soy inteligente.
*Use ser for essential characteristics.
Ser or Estar?
La reunión ___ en la sala de conferencia.
(The meeting is in the conference room.)
Ser
La reunión es en la sala de conferencia.
*Use ser for location of events.
Ser or Estar?
___ importante respirar todos los días.
(It is important to breathe every day.)
Ser
Es importante respirar todos los días.
*Use ser for impersonal expressions.
Ser or Estar?
Nosotros ___ carpinteros.
(We are carpenters.)
Ser
Nosotros somos carpinteros.
*Use ser for occupation or religion.
Ser or Estar?
Jorge ___ el esposo de Juana.
(Jorge is Juana’s husband.)
Ser
Jorge es el esposo de Juana.
*Use ser for relationships.
Ser or Estar?
La chaqueta amarilla ___ mía.
(The yellow jacket is mine.)
Ser
La chaqueta amarilla es mía.
*Use ser for possession or ownership of something.
Ser or Estar?
Carlos ___ es guatemalteco.
(Carlos is Guatemalan.)
Ser
Carlos es guatemalteco.
*Use ser for Origin or nationality.
Ser or Estar?
___ de acuerdo.
(We are in agreement.)
Estar
Estamos de acuerdo.
*Use estar for idomatic expressions (a non-literal meaning attached to the phrase).
