Why is Mexico esta en America, rather than Mexico es in America?
Why is the phrase considered "Mexico esta en America" rather than "Mexico es in America?" I don't understand why the estar form is used instead of ser.
3 Respuestas
It's a good question, and I'm pleased it's been asked.
In general, ser is used for things more permanent; estar for temporary.
A country's location is permanent, but estar is always used.
Which creates a rule: when referring to location, use estar.
Not logical, of course, but no big surprise, really. There's much in language usage that has no logic.
Welcome to the forum. If you look under the "more" tab you will see an option called Spanish grammar. There is a very tidy explanation of the differences in the uses of ser and estar.You will be able to read it faster than I could type it!
ser is usually used for permanant things and describing yourself and people. estar usually refers to things that a not permenant and places. (ie countries, cities etc ) someone correct me if i am wrong.
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