The verb ser is one of the two Spanish verbs meaning “to be.” It is used to describe essential qualities, identity, origin, and other permanent or defining characteristics—things that are considered inherently part of someone or something.
  • Irregular: Ser does not follow standard conjugation patterns, especially in the present, preterite, and subjunctive forms.
  • Use: Ser describes what something is (its essence), rather than conditions or states (which use estar).
  • Key: "Ser" = to be (in a permanent/defining sense).

Ser Conjugation (Indicative)

Here are the main indicative tenses for ser, used to describe reality and facts.
TenseSpanish Subject PronounsSpanish ExampleEnglish Example
Presentyo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosYo soy estudiante.I am a student.
(Presente)yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosTú eres médico.You are a doctor.
Ellos son amigos.They are friends.
Imperfectyo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosElla era joven.She was young.
(Imperfecto)yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosNosotros éramos estudiantes.We were students.
Ellos eran hermanos.They were siblings.
Preteriteyo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosFui al cine.I went to the cinema.
(Pretérito)yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosElla fue profesora.She was a teacher.
Fuimos amigos.We were friends.
Futureyo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosSeré feliz.I will be happy.
(Futuro)yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosSerás famoso.You will be famous.
Serán médicos.They will be doctors.

Ser Conjugation (Additional Tenses)

These tenses allow you to discuss ser in the past perfect, conditional, and subjunctive moods—useful for more advanced expression.
TenseSpanish Subject PronounsSpanish ExampleEnglish Example
Present Perfectyo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosYo he sido presidente.I have been president.
(Pretérito Perfecto)yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosHemos sido honestos.We have been honest.
Ellos han sido justos.They have been fair.
Conditionalyo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosSería feliz contigo.I would be happy with you.
(Condicional)yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosSerías buen maestro.You would be a good teacher.
Serían famosos.They would be famous.
Present Subjunctiveyo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosQuiero que seas feliz.I want you to be happy.
(Presente de Subjuntivo)yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosEspero que sea sencillo.I hope it is simple.
Ojalá sean puntuales.I hope they are punctual.
Imperfect Subjunctiveyo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosSi yo fuera rico...If I were rich...
(Imperfecto de Subjuntivo)yo, tú, él/ella, nosotros, ellosSi fueras tú...If you were you...
Si fueran médicos...If they were doctors...

Yo ____ presidente alguna vez.


he sido

'He sido' is present perfect, showing experience up to now: "I have been president."

Ser Usage

Ser describes identity, origin, time, and other inherent qualities. Here are the main uses of ser:
UsageSpanish ExampleEnglish Example
Identity/DescriptionElla es alta y amable.She is tall and kind.
Origin/NationalitySoy de México.I am from Mexico.
ProfessionÉl es ingeniero.He is an engineer.
Time/DateSon las tres.It is three o’clock.
PossessionEs mi libro.It is my book.
MaterialLa mesa es de madera.The table is made of wood.
RelationshipsEllos son hermanos.They are siblings.
Events (location)La boda es en la iglesia.The wedding is in the church.

Ser vs. Estar

Ser = permanent, defining quality Estar = temporary state or condition
UseSer ExampleEstar Example
QualitySoy inteligente.
ConditionEstoy cansado.
OriginSoy argentino.
LocationEstoy en casa.
Identity/RoleÉl es profesor.

What is the main difference between ser and estar?


Ser is for permanent qualities; estar is for temporary states.

Ser describes what something is essentially; estar describes how something is conditionally.

Summary

  • Ser means “to be” (essential or permanent qualities).
  • It is irregular in several tenses.
  • Use ser for identity, origin, time, possession, material, relationships, and event locations.
  • Remember: ser = permanent; estar = temporary.

Flashcards (1 of 32)

  • Tense: Present
  • English Example: I am a student.

Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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