Ser And Estar

When to use the verbs SER and ESTAR

These verbs can be confusing if you are a beginning learner, but it is easy to remember when to use one or another, just read the following examples.

When to use SER (it is called a permanent verb, the actions don`t change):

Talking about origin: Soy inglesa. We use the verb SER because it is permanent, I will always be English, that it is my origin. Talking about descri ptions:Luis es alto e inteligente. I am describe how is Luis. Talking about the time: Son las cinco y media. When to use ESTAR (it is called temporal verb, the action could change):

Talking about state of being: Hoy estoy muy contenta. My state of being can change, today I feel happy, but maybe another day I will not feel the same. Talking about location and position of something. Madrid esta en Espana. Nos referimos a la localizacion de algo. El libro esta encima de la mesa. Es la posicion del libro, sonde esta el libro.