SER vs ESTAR

1
SER vs ESTAR

• The verb SER is used to show a permanent
• characteristic of a person or thing.
• The boy is tall El chico es alto
• The house is green La casa es verde
• The verb ESTAR is used to show a temporary
  condition or to show location.
• The boy is ill El chico está enfermo
• The book is on the desk
• El libro está en el escritorio

2

• To remember the uses of SER remember the word
• C note 100 bill
• Characteristics El chico es alto
• Nationality Ana es chilena
• Origin Elena es de Perú
• Time Son las dos y media
• Equivilence Mi hermana es médica

3

• To remember the use of ESTAR, think of the
  phrase True Love Forever.
• Temporary condition
• Ana está lista ready
• Location
• Los carros están en el garaje
• Feelings physical or emotional
• Enrique está triste. sad

4

• SER and ESTAR cannot be interchanged. If the
  wrong verb is used, the meaning of the sentence
  will be changed.
• Ana está lista Ana is ready
• Ana es lista Ana is clever
• La manzana es verde The apple is green
• its natural color
• La manzana está verde The apple is green
• not ripe