What is the difference between Ser and Estar?

Question

How can I determine if I need to use the verb 'ser' or the verb estar'

Answer 1

1. Ser is used in a simple way, to talk about WHAT something is (permanent state). To describe characteristics that are an essential part of the thing we’re talking about.
2. Estar is used to talk about HOW something is, so we use it for conditions, locations, emotions, and actions (temporary states).

More specifically, Ser is used for these situations:

1. The hour, day, and date.
2. Place of origin.
3. Occupation.
4. Nationality.
5. Religious or political affiliation.
6. The material something is made of.
7. Possession.
8. Relationship of one person to another.
9. Where an event is taking place.
10. Essential qualities (what makes this thing, this thing?).
11. On the other hand, Estar is used for:
12. Geographic or physical location.
13. State or condition (like emotions).
14. Many idiomatic expressions.
15. Progressive tenses (-ing).

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

A quick rhyme to help you remember:

If it's how you feel or where you are, always use the verb ESTAR!

Of course there are other uses of "estar," but most uses fit into this rhyme.

Answer 3

This is one of the most difficult differences between English and Spanish. In English we just have the verb Be, and in Spanish there are both Ser and Estar. To make a generalization, ser is used for permanent states, and estar is used for temporary or changeable states. If you say, "Esta feliz," it means that the person is happy right now, and if you say, "Es feliz," it means this is a happy person all the time. The one great exception is using estar for locations. You say, "La Tierra esta en el universo." Saying "The Earth is in the universe," is certainly not a temporary state! I appreciate the former answer above, but this generalization works most of the time.