📓 Ser vs. Estar – What’s the Difference?

 Learn Spanish and Culture – Beginner Level (A1)

By Teacher Laura de Español 🍊

Learn with me 🌎

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👩‍🏫 What are ser and estar?

Both ser and estar mean “to be” in English. But they are used in different situations. Understanding when to use each one is essential to sound natural in Spanish.

Let’s break it down:

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✨ When to use ser

Use ser for permanent or long-term things:

D.O.C.T.O.R. (easy to remember!)

Use	Example	Translation
Description	Ella es alta.	She is tall.
Occupation	Soy profesora.	I am a teacher.
Characteristics	Él es amable.	He is kind.
Time/Date	Es lunes. / Son las 3.	It’s Monday / It’s 3:00.
Origin/Nationality	Somos colombianos.	We are Colombian.
Relationship	Es mi madre.	She is my mother.

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✨ When to use estar

Use estar for temporary or changeable things:

P.L.A.C.E.

Use	Example	Translation
Position	El libro está en la mesa.	The book is on the table.
Location	Estoy en casa.	I am at home.
Action	Estamos estudiando.	We are studying.
Condition	Estoy cansado.	I am tired.
Emotion	Ella está feliz.	She is happy.

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💞 Cultural Connection

Colombians often express how they feel (estar) and who they are (ser).
For example:

• Soy de Medellín y estoy muy feliz de verte.
  This blend of identity and emotion makes communication warm and human, something essential in Colombian culture.

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📝 Practice time

1. Choose the correct verb (ser or estar):

• Yo ___ profesora.

• Tú ___ en Bogotá.

• Él ___ cansado.

• Nosotros ___ amigos.

• Ellas ___ contentas.

2. Translate into Spanish:

• She is my friend. → _________________________

• I am happy. → _________________________

• We are at the airport. → _________________________

• They are doctors. → _________________________

3. Write two sentences with ser and two with estar.

Example:

• Mi papá es colombiano.

• Estoy en casa.

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🌟 Tip from Teacher Laura 🍊

Think of ser as your “essence” and estar as your “state.”
💬 Soy Laura – that’s who I am.
💬 Estoy cansada – that’s how I feel right now.
With practice, you’ll feel the difference.

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➡️ Next article:

“Adjectives in Spanish – Agreement in Gender and Number”

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  🚀 Boost your Spanish skills today!

Con cariño y motivación,
Teacher Laura de Español 🍊
Learn Spanish with love and culture