How do you use ser appropriately in the Spanish language?

Question

Ser is mostly used for permanent conditions. First, ser is used for descriptions. For example, yo soy inteligente (I am intelligent), and la casa es grande (the house is big). Secondly, ser is used for origin, such as where you were born and where you live. For example, yo soy de los Estados Unidos (I am from the United States). Next, ser is used for nationalities. For example, ellos son americanos (they are American). Next, ser is used for one’s job. For example, nosotros somos estudiantes (we are students). Next, ser is used for organized events. For example, el desfile es en Nueva York (the parade is in New York). Next, ser is used for religions. For example, ella es bautista (she is Baptist). Next, ser is used for material. For example, la casa es de madera (the house is made out of wood). Next, ser is used for possession. For example, la casa es de nosotros (the house is ours).

While all of the rules for ser are for permanent conditions, ser is also used for time. For example, es la una (it’s 1:00) and son las dos (it’s 2:00).

Answer 1

Ser is used when the adjective is thought to represent the "soul" of the noun. Estar is used when it's not that deep.

John is at the club. The "makers of the Spanish language" did not think that the location of a person represents his soul, that is, it doesn't really affect WHO the person is as a person.

The party is at the club. The "makes of the Spanish language" did think that the location of a party or event does represent the "soul" of the event. A party being at McDonalds greatly affects the kind of party it can be versus the party being at the club. Whereas the mere fact the John is at the club is not thought to have a sufficient effect on the kind of person John is.

Answer 2

Hi! All of the above is true. However, I'd like to suggest that instead of thinking of SER vs. ESTAR as "permanent vs. temporary", it's best to think of SER as a way to characterize or identify. When you think of it that way, you'll see that it still agrees with all of the examples above.

In addition to the examples above, I'd also add that SER is used for relationships - e.g. ella es mi amiga.

There is a really great resource for this topic on SpanishDict.com - I like their use of the acronym DOCTOR to name all the ways we use SER.

I hope this helps!

Warmly,

Alissa G., M.A. Spanish