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Difference between ser vs estar

We learn about the difference and the different uses of the verbs ser and estar.

Gramática: Diferencia entre ser vs estar

A1 Spanish Difference between "ser" and "estar"

Level: A1

Module 4: Describir objetos y personas. (Describing objects and people)

Lesson 25: Emociones y sentimientos (Emotions and feelings)

Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Audio and video

Audio with translations
Audio with translations

  1. "Ser" is used for permanent characteristics, identity, origin, and profession.
  2. "Estar" is used for temporary states, emotions, location, and to talk about the weather.
VerboUsoEjemplo
SerCaracterísticas permanentesLa mesa es ancha. (The table is wide.)
IdentidadJuan es abogado. (Juan is a lawyer.)
Origen/Nacionalidaderes española. (You are Spanish.)
Descripciones generalesEl cielo es oscuro. (The sky is dark.)
EstarEstado o condición temporalElla está cansada. (She is tired.)
UbicaciónEl libro está sobre la mesa. (The book is on the table.)
EmocionesMaría está feliz hoy. (María is happy today.)
Condiciones temporalesEl camino está mojado. (The road is wet.)

Exercise 1: Diferencia entre ser vs estar

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

eres, soy, están, estoy, estáis, es, sois, estamos

1.
La calle ... estrecha.
(The street is narrow.)
2.
Tú ... doctora.
(You are a doctor.)
3.
Nosotros ... felices.
(We are happy.)
4.
Yo ... de España.
(I am from Spain.)
5.
Ellos ... en casa ahora.
(They are at home now.)
6.
Yo ... cansado.
(I am tired.)
7.
Vosotras ... cansadas.
(You all are tired.)
8.
Vosotros ... abogados.
(You all are solicitors.)

Exercise 2: Translate and use in a sentence

Instruction: Pick a word, translated and use the word in a sentence or dialogue.

1

sois


you are

2

estamos


we are

3

están


they are

4

está


is