Ser vs estar are two similar verbs in Spanish and have become one of the challenges for beginners in our cursos de español. For this reason, we designed a learning guide to learn the differences and conjugations.
On the other hand, the immersive Spanish practice at our Spanish schools in Mexico will allow you to make rapid progress in each of the grammar topics of the language.
Spanish ser vs estar
Spanish verb ser
The verb ser determines the characteristics of the subject permanently or over a long period of time. Therefore, this verb is used for descriptions of qualities which define the subject and will not change any time soon. In our Spanish lessons in Mexico City or at the mejor escuela de español de Cancún you will learn the variations of the verb with the following complements:
- Physical characteristics
- Nationalities
- Occupations
- Relationships
The definition can be a bit confusing, but with an example we can identify which attributes describe the subject through this verb.
| Subject | Verb | Description | Origin | Occupation | Relationships |
| Jhon | es | alto, generoso y profesional. | Alemán | Doctor | mi hermano |
| Chocolate | es | dulce y delicioso. | de México |
In our Cursos de español en México you will learn that the verb ser in Spanish allows you to describe time expressions such as days, dates, years and the time on the clock.
| Time | Verb | Description |
| Hoy | es | miércoles |
| Ahora | son | las 5:30 pm |
| Ayer | fue | mi cumpleaños |
Spanish verb ser
The verb estar is used to indicate temporal states and locations, so we can describe the location, action, conditions or emotions of the subject.
| Sujeto | Verbo | Posición | Localización | Acción | Condición | Emociones |
| Jhon | está | sentado en el sillón | en casa de sus papas | jugando ajedrez | descansando | tranquilo y feliz. |
| Chocolate | está | dentro de la alacena |
Difference between the Spanish verbs ser and estar
The very definition of both verb tenses for studying Spanish ser vs estar determine the difference between each: the tense. In other words, the Spanish verb ser is used to describe the permanent characteristics of the subject, while the Spanish verb estar refers to the temporal qualities.
Examples for studying Spanish verbs ser vs estar
As well as studying the Spanish verbs ser and estar at our Spanish language schools to aprender español en la ciudad de México, Oaxaca or Cancun, you can also practice your knowledge straight out of your Spanish lessons. The advantage of learning the official language of a country within its territory allows for complete immersion in order to master it.
In clases de español en México or any of our locations you will learn the infinite number of Spanish verb combinations ser vs estar.
| Spanish verb Ser | Spanish verb estar |
| ser pálido | estar pálido |
| ser verde | estar verde |
| ser viejo | estar viejo |
| ser orgulloso | estar orgulloso |
Do you want to study Spanish in another country? Alegre Spanish Schools is expanding in Latin America to Colombia. So, you can study the language in our Spanish School Bogota which maintains the same quality standards in language teaching as our language schools in México.
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