Ser vs estar (basic)
ser or estar
By Fabling Editorial · How we design our guides
Use ser to identify someone and estar to describe a state or location. Learn the basic contrast with everyday Spanish examples.
ser or estar
ser identifies (Soy español. Es lunes). estar locates or gives a current condition (Está aquí. Está bien).
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Use it in a conversation
Duration alone does not decide the verb. A city has a stable location but uses estar. An event's location usually uses ser because it tells us where the event takes place.
Lucía es enfermera. Hoy está cansada.
Lucía is a nurse. Today she is tired.
La cena es en mi casa. Mi casa está cerca.
Dinner is at my house. My house is nearby.
Common mix-ups
Use ser for nationality. The difference between ser and estar is not simply permanent versus temporary.
I am Spanish.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
Ana is a doctor and she is at home today.
Show one possible answer
Ana es médica y hoy está en casa.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
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