ser y estar siempre me confunde

Question

Porque decimos "el papalote ES de papel" pero decimos "el papalote ESTA hecho de papel". Both are states of being so why the differences?

Thank you, I appreciate your help.

Answer 1

Hi,

I hope this will help you

I think this is the best way to understand the difference between “El papalote es de papel” and “El papalote está hecho de papel”

In general: You need to understand that the verbs Ser and Estar can be used as a main verb or as an auxiliar verb. You will need to identify what role the verb is playing. Is it a main verb? Is it an auxiliar verb?

1- The verb "ser" is used as follow:

1a) as a main verb to describe permanent characteristics, identities, professions, nationalities, and more. Here, it does not act as an auxiliary but has its own complete meaning. For example:

- Soy estudiante (identity/profession)

- Ella es alta.(She is tall - permanent characteristic).

- El papalote es de papel (permanent characteristic)

1b) As an auxiliary verb in the formation of passive voice constructions.

-Passive Voice: The passive voice in Spanish is used to emphasize the action rather than the subject performing it. 

Example: “La carta fue escrita por María.” (The letter was written by María - the letter is the subject receiving the action).

2-The verb "estar" is used as follow:

2a) as a main verb to describe temporary states, conditions, or locations. For example:

1. “Estoy feliz.” (I am happy - temporary emotional state).
2. “El libro está en la mesa.” (The book is on the table - location)

2b) as an auxiliar verb to form the stative passive or resultative passive

The stative passive or resultative passive focuses on the resulting state of an action. Frequently it is used without specifying who performed it, which can be useful when the agent is not relevant or unknown. This form uses the verb “estar” combined with the past participle of the main verb. 

Examples:

-El Papalote está hecho de papel (The kite is made of paper). It means that the kite has been manufactured (action) and the result is that it is composed of paper (state).

-El grupo está compuesto por estudiantes

-La puerta está cerrada

3) Additional note: Both verbs (Ser and Estar) are also used as an auxiliar verb to form a compound tense (tiempos compuestos). Compound tenses in Spanish are formed by combining an auxiliary verb (usually “haber” or “ser”) with the past participle of the main verb. These tenses allow you to express actions that have been completed or are progressing. I will not go deeper about these tenses now, but know that "haber" is used for actions that have been completed (Example: "He comido", "Había comido","Habré comido", "Habría comido") and "estar" is used for "in progress" actions (example: "Estoy comiendo", "Estaba comiendo", "Estaré comiendo")

Answer 2

Se usa "ser" en vez de "estar" por estas razones abajo.

Yes, "physical states of being" does require "estar" but physical states of being refer more to literal things like "dead or alive", food or drinks being "hot or cold", etc.

In the case you mentioned: "el papalote ES de papel", this is more of a description or a characteristic of the papalote. Please see the following mnemonic device, DOCTOR, of when "ser" needs to be used. The kite's material could fall under "D" or "C" in this mnemonic device. Hope this helps! :-D ~Rita Condon Silvia

D = descriptions, traits, qualities, labeling something/someone, connecting a noun to a description =

Boston ES la capital de Massachusetts.

O  = occupation, ownership; things that can change but then a new description “label” is created

C = characteristics that are inherent and not easily changed = Tú ERES inteligente. “C” also, what something is made of = La mesa ES de madera. (made of wood)

T =  time – telling time, talking about time

O =  origin – where someone or something is from

R =  relationship, religion, race

Answer 3