Clear Spanish grammar
Ser vs estar: how to choose the right Spanish verb
Both verbs mean “to be”, but Spanish divides the work between them. Ser classifies and identifies; estar places something or describes its state.
The essentials
Three rules that clear up the confusion
- 1
Use ser for identity, origin, profession, material, time and classification.
- 2
Use estar for the location of people and things, temporary states and the result of a change.
- 3
Events are the key exception: their location is expressed with ser, as in La fiesta es en Madrid.
Compare
Examples in complete sentences
Ana es profesora.Ana is a teacher.
Ana está cansada.Ana is tired.
La fiesta es en Madrid, pero Ana está en casa.The party is in Madrid, but Ana is at home.
Go beyond reading
Practise the rule through the guided course route
A short explanation, a task, answer checking and a direct return to the paragraph needed after a mistake.