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SER Vs ESTAR

SER and ESTAR both mean "to be" in Spanish, but they are used differently based on whether something is permanent or temporary. SER describes permanent qualities like identity, nationality, and material composition. ESTAR describes temporary states like location, condition, and progressive tenses. Examples show how "ser aburrido" means to be boring by nature, while "estar aburrido" means to feel bored temporarily. Similarly, "ser guapo" refers to being naturally good-looking, while "estar guapo" means looking good in the moment due to clothes or makeup. Mastering the uses of SER and ESTAR is important for correct Spanish grammar.

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1K views3 pages

SER Vs ESTAR

SER and ESTAR both mean "to be" in Spanish, but they are used differently based on whether something is permanent or temporary. SER describes permanent qualities like identity, nationality, and material composition. ESTAR describes temporary states like location, condition, and progressive tenses. Examples show how "ser aburrido" means to be boring by nature, while "estar aburrido" means to feel bored temporarily. Similarly, "ser guapo" refers to being naturally good-looking, while "estar guapo" means looking good in the moment due to clothes or makeup. Mastering the uses of SER and ESTAR is important for correct Spanish grammar.

Uploaded by

Joshua
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • SER vs ESTAR Overview
  • Uses of SER and ESTAR
  • Situations Where SER and ESTAR Sound Different

SER vs ESTAR

All languages have synonyms which we can tell the difference from the meanings and how they are
used in situations. For example, did you know a hill and a mountain are both referred as steep
inclines but any natural incline that is below 600 metres is considered a hill (not a mountain) and an
incline 600 metres and above is called a mountain by definition. Similarly “ser” and “estar” both
mean to be, however, we must be able to distinguish these words to be grammatically correct in
Spanish

In simple terms “ser” is used for describing things that are permanent about one’s identity and
description whereas “estar” gives temporary accounts of something. The following acronyms help us
to follow the guidelines given in Spanish for using the 2 verbs in a sentence.
USES OF SER

1. The hour, day and date


2. Place of origin
3. Nationality
4. Occupation
5. Religion or Politics
6. The material something is made up of
7. Possession
8. Relationship Between one person and another
9. Where an event is taking place
10. Essential Qualities (what makes this thing, this thing)

USES OF ESTAR

1. Geographical or physical location


2. State or condition (like emotion)
3. Many idiomatic expressions (sayings and slang)
4. Progressive tenses (ing)
SITUATIONS WHERE SER AND ESTAR SOUND COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

“ser aburrido” vs “estar aburrido”

Abburido, which means boring in Espanol can be used in 2 contextes where “ser abburido” means
“to be boring”; this feature is permanent as someone, or something can indeed be boring by nature
and can be identified as consistently boring or uninteresting to the audience. “Estar aburrido” means
“to be bored” this is a feeling of monotony or dullness that can pass and usually describes a
condition in the moment by someone.

Ejs: Joshua es muy aburrido porque habla lento y no entiendo que dice aveces.

Translation: Joshua is very boring because he speaks slowly, and I do not understand what he says
sometimes.

Ejs: Estoy abburido de este lectura y quiero salir.

Translation: I am bored of this lecture, and I want to leave.

“Ser guapo” vs “Estar guapo”

Guapo or good-looking can be phrased in two different ways

Ejs: Soy guapo

Translation: I am good-looking (naturally)

Ejs: Estoy guapo

Translation: I look good (in clothes or with makeup, which means for that instant)

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