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Ser vs. estar

Word practice demo
In Spanish, both ser and estar translate to to be in English. However, they are not interchangeable. The choice between them depends entirely on the context, specifically whether you are describing a permanent, essential characteristic or a temporary state or location.

Ser

A1
The verb ser is used to describe permanent or lasting attributes. Think of it as defining the essence or identity of a person, place, or thing—what something *is*. This includes descriptions, occupations, origins, relationships, and telling time. It is also uniquely used to describe where an event takes place.
Yo soy alto y mi hermana es baja.
(I am tall and my sister is short.)
Mi padre es abogado.
(My father is a lawyer.)
Ellos son de Colombia.
(They are from Colombia.)
La mesa es de madera.
(The table is made of wood.)
Hoy es lunes y son las diez de la mañana.
(Today is Monday and it is ten in the morning.)
Este es mi coche.
(This is my car.)
Ana es mi mejor amiga.
(Ana is my best friend.)
El concierto es en el estadio.
(The concert is (takes place) at the stadium.)
El hielo es frío.
(Ice is cold.)

Estar

A1
The verb estar is used to describe temporary conditions, states, and locations. Think of it as describing how something *is* at a particular moment. This includes physical locations, health, emotions, physical conditions, and forming the present progressive tense (the -ing form).
El libro está sobre la mesa.
(The book is on the table.)
Nosotros estamos en Madrid.
(We are in Madrid.)
Hoy estoy muy feliz.
(Today I am very happy.)
Mi madre está enferma.
(My mother is sick.)
La sopa está caliente.
(The soup is hot.)
Las ventanas están abiertas.
(The windows are open.)
¿Por qué estás tan cansado?
(Why are you so tired?)
Estoy leyendo un libro interesante.
(I am reading an interesting book.)

Summary

In short, use ser for what something *is* (permanent characteristics, identity, origin, time). Use estar for how or where something *is* (temporary conditions, emotions, location). A simple rule of thumb is: For how you feel and where you are, always use the verb estar.