When do you use estar and ser?

Question

When do you use the verb esta and ser?

Changed caps and punctuation. - Seitheach, Sep 29, 2009

Answer 1

Hi Sammuel. Welcome to the forum.

There's a great article in the Reference Section on when to use ser vs. estar.

Also, here's an article by Lazarus that clearly defines the differences between ser and estar.

¡Buena Suerte!

Answer 2

I am (ser) a man. The bathroom esta (is located at) upstairs. The car is (esta) outside. My boss is (ser) a jerk.

So your boss will never change? - Seitheach, Sep 29, 2009

My boss or my wife? lol...my boss is a great guy...we get on everyone's nerves speaking spainish loud and fast....my wife is great too! - ChamacoMalo, Sep 29, 2009

That was just for clarity for that questioner. ;-) - ChamacoMalo, Sep 29, 2009

It was funny though. - Seitheach, Sep 29, 2009

Answer 3

Estar is used for something in the moment, something that can change. Ser is something that will never change or is permanent.

This is incorrect. - --Mariana--, Sep 29, 2009

Answer 4

Jepna said:

Estar is used for something in the moment, something that can change.

Not true. There are many examples of "estar" with permanent conditions. For example, Él está muerto, Nueva York está en los Estados Unidos.

Those two things are permanent conditions, yet we use estar.

Ser is something that will never change or is permanent.

Not true. For example, we say soy estudiante. I won't always be a student, but I am today.