ser is the Spanish verb for "to be" when referring to essential, permanent, or defining characteristics. It is used for identity, origin, time, dates, professions, and relationships.
- Expresses permanent states, not temporary conditions
- Used for essential qualities, not moods or locations (use estar)
- Applies to people, places, things, ideas, and situations
'ser' is used for permanent states.
'ser' is used for identity, origin, time, and professions.
Yes, 'ser' is used for personality traits.
Conjugation
ser is highly irregular. Here are its main forms:
| Subject | Ser |
|---|---|
| Yo | soy |
| Tú | eres |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | es |
| Nosotros/as | somos |
| Vosotros/as | sois |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | son |
For 'we,' use 'somos.'
'ser' forms: soy, eres, es, somos, sois, son.
Usage & Examples
Identity / Characteristic
Use ser for who/what someone/something is, and for defining traits.
- Ella es médica. (She is a doctor.)
- El coche es rojo. (The car is red.)
Origin / Nationality
Use ser with de + place for origin.
- Soy de México. (I am from Mexico.)
- Ellos son españoles. (They are Spanish.)
Time / Date
Use ser to tell time and dates.
- ¿Qué hora es? Es la una. (What time is it? It’s one.)
- Hoy es lunes. (Today is Monday.)
Profession
Use ser to state jobs or roles.
- Somos profesores. (We are teachers.)
Relationships
Use ser to describe relationships.
- Ella es mi hermana. (She is my sister.)
'ser' is for profession, origin, time, and permanent traits.
Practice
- Conjugate ser for all subjects.
- Write 3 sentences using ser for origin.
- Tell the time using ser in Spanish.
- Describe two people using ser for identity and characteristics.
'ser' is used to describe where events take place (not for location of people/things).
'Nosotros somos' means 'We are.'