When do you use the verb SER or ESTAR in SPanish??

Answer 1

The difference using the verb SER or ESTAR (the verb" To Be " in English) are used in the following cases:

REVIEW OF VERB “TO BE” = VERBS “SER” and “ESTAR”

1.) VERB “SER” is used for:

Description:   Es de oro. (It is gold).

Occupation:   Mi padre es un doctor. (My father is a doctor).

Characteristics or Inherent Traits:  Nosotras somos alegres./ Es fantástico./ Es importante.  (We are happy people)./ (It’s fantastic)./ (It’s important)

Time, Date and Place:    Son las cinco y media./ El concierto es en la escuela.

  (It’s five thirty)./ (The concert is at the school.)

Origin and Ownership:  El es de China./ El libro es de Maria.   (He is from China)./ (It’s Maria’s book.)

Relationship:  Ellos son mis padres. (They are my parents).

2.) VERB “ESTAR” is used for:

Position:     Yo estoy sentada. (I am sitting).

Location:      Tu estás en la oficina. (You are at the office).

Action and Progressive Tenses:     Ella está comiendo. (She is eating).

Condition:     Nosotras estamos enfermas. (We are sick).

Emotions. / Also Forms Idiomatic Expressions:     Ustedes están tristes. / (You are sad.)

Answer 2

One would use the verb, "Ser", whenever they are talking about their state of being. "Yo soy una nina," translates to, "I am a girl."

On the other hand, in order to use the verb, "Estar", one must be speaking about their state of being while doing something. "Yo estoy haciendo mis tareas," translates to, "I am doing my homework."