The Verbs Ser and Estar

Both Ser and Estar mean "to Be" but in different ways. Let's review the different uses of each verb.

Ser:

1) Physical description, personality traits, nationality, race, gender

2) Dates, days, seasons, time, events (which "take place")

3) What things are made of

4) Possession

Review Ser!

Estar:
1) Feelings/emotions, physical conditions, civil status (married, single, divorced, dead)

2) Location of things and people (not events)

3) Present Progressive tense (the immediate "-ing" form)

Review Estar!

Ser vs. Estar

Some adjectives have different meanings depending upon which form of "to Be" you use. Generally, if you use Ser, the adjective is a characteristic of the person or thing you are describing; whereas if you use Estar, it is a description of a mood or appearance.
For example:

Ser

Estar

Él es aburrido.
(He is boring -a boring person)

Soy nerviosa.
(I am a nervous, high-strung person)

Ella es bonita.
(She is pretty -a pretty girl.)

Yo estoy aburrida.
(I am [feel] bored.)

Estoy nerviosa.
(I am/feel nervous)

Está bonita.
(She looks pretty. )

Java Columns game to practice Ser vs. Estar! Practice on the Web! (Scroll down and click on Generate Unique quiz)	Practice choosing Ser or Estar!	More practice on the Web!	Back to the Verbs page!
	Battleship practice with Ser & Estar