
The Two Verbs Ser and Estar?
What is the difference between ser and estar? How do I know when to use the appropriate verb since they have the same meaning, to be.
3 Answers By Expert Tutors
Ser has a more permanent meaning while estar is more temporary. At least that is how I think of it. The acronyms below can help:
Ser - Date
Occupation
Characteristic Soy alto.
Time
Origin
Relation Maria es mi amiga.
Estar - Postion Estoy aquí.
Location
Action
Condition
Emotion Estoy triste.
Soy alto, pero estoy triste. I am tall, but I am sad. It would be incorrect to switch those verbs here.
Estoy aquí. I am here
Maria es mi amiga. Maria is my friend.

Roger B. answered 09/10/20
Experienced Tutor, K-12 Spanish Teacher, and Adult ESOL Instructor
There are general patterns of when each is used that can be neatly applied in most contexts and are useful for those, but there are cases where the opposite one will be used. For example, while estar is normally used for locations, ser can be used for the location of an event. And while estar is normally used for temporary states, it's also used to say that someone is dead. Both ser and estar can be used to say if someone is married or bald, with each verb changing the meaning a bit.
Estar is also used to say that someone is / was / etc. doing something, although the present tense and imperfect tense can sometimes communicate the same thing. For example, native speakers often ask ¿qué haces? (or, in places that use vos, ¿qué hacés? or possibly another variation) to ask what you're doing now / what you're up to.
Second language acquisition experts such as Bill VanPatten have argued that explicit grammar instruction isn't as effective as comprehensible input embedded in communicative tasks. Ultimately, what will help you to understand and use ser and estar in as many contexts as possible as naturally as possible will be to hear and read them being used in context and understand what's being said. Patterns like the ones given here can help in the short-term; but a deep, long-term understanding will come as you encounter them in ideally communicative contexts (i.e., when you're reading something to learn something new, interpreting a message that someone is trying to tell you to genuinely give you new information or to strengthen the bond between you two, etc.).
Yuly C. answered 09/08/20
Native Spanish Speaker+Experienced Spanish Teacher
Ser is more related to professions and to describe yourself and others. Example: Yo soy estudiante (I am a student), Ella es muy curiosa ( She is very curious).
Estar is about emotional condition and locations. Example: Yo estoy muy cansado ( I am very tired), Ellos están en el concierto (They are at the concert).
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Leslie M.
Hello as a native Spanish speaker, I can tell you that the verbs Ser and Estar do not have the same meaning. If you look at them in English, yes but in Spanish no. Ser: Means description of someone or something. Estar: is more like when expressing location, mood or feelings Examples: SER: Yo soy lindo. Yo soy alto./ I am cute. I am tall. ESTAR: Yo estoy aquí. Yo estoy contento/ I am here. I am happy.09/10/20