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Spoken Description

Descubre cuándo usar ser o estar en español: diferencias entre rasgos permanentes y estados temporales, con reglas claras, ejemplos prácticos y consejos para evitar errores comunes. Fuente: ser-vs-estar.

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Discover when to use ser or estar in Spanish: differences between permanent traits and temporary states, with clear rules, practical examples, and tips to avoid common mistakes. Source: ser-vs-estar.

In Spanish, ser and estar both translate as "to be," but they serve different functions: ser marks more lasting or defining qualities while estar marks temporary conditions, locations, and states.

Ser

Use ser to express identity, origin, time, possession, material, and intrinsic characteristics that define someone or something.

Examples

Expressions

Fill in the BlankYo(ser) profesor de matemáticas.

I am a math teacher.

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Usa ser para expresar identidad, origen, tiempo, posesión, material y características intrínsecas que definen a alguien o algo.

Estar

Use estar to describe temporary states, locations, feelings, and ongoing actions with the gerund; it highlights conditions that can change.

Examples

Expressions

Fill in the BlankYo(ser) profesor de matemáticas.

I am a math teacher.

1 of 6

Usa estar para describir estados temporales, ubicaciones, sentimientos y acciones en curso con el gerundio; resalta condiciones que pueden cambiar.

Special Adjectives

Some adjectives change meaning depending on whether you use ser or estar, so swapping the verb can change the sentence's sense from inherent quality to temporary condition.

Fill in the BlankEl café de esta cafetería(ser/estar) fuerte y aromático.

The coffee at this café is strong and aromatic.

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Summary

Remember: use ser for defining traits and identity, and estar for locations and temporary states; paying attention to small differences will improve your nuance in Spanish.