What is the difference between "soy" and "estoy"?

Question

In lesson 1 we were using the word "estoy". In my Spanish I class we use "soy". What is the difference between the two?

Answer 1

Generalised rule is:

Ester usually expresses a current state of something (estoy feliz = I am happy).

Ser usually expresses a property/attribute of something, a permanent characteristic (Soy caucásica = I am caucasian).

If you are telling somebody where you are, then you'd use 'estoy', as that's just the current state of location, that will change over time.

While telling somebody you are a brunette, you'd use 'soy'... even though with dye you can change the colour of your hair, you'd consider that a concerted effort to change a property of your hair (its colour), rather than your hair colour being a resulting state of external influences (like your mood or where you are).

Answer 2

Both mean... I am. Read the link below to see when to use which one.

Ser/Estar

Answer 3

Although there are exceptions, generally, soy is to say something that is permanent and estoy is to say something in the moment.

For example

I am Italian: Soy italiana.

I am tired: Estoy cansada

Answer 4

Here's a related thread that also provides the link by Lazarus:

Rule about Ser and Estar