What are the differences between "Esta", "Estan", and "Estas"?

Question

A friend provided the thought that all of them are just used in different situations. I think it is a grammatical thing. What are the meanings of these words and how are they used? When would it be best to use each one?

Answer 1

Hi chiilover16,

I am assuming that you are referring to the verb forms of estar when you asked this question (está, estás, están). If this is the case then I think that you can go back to your friend with the satisfaction that, in a sense, you are both right.

As far as it being situational, this is true because the use of each is determined by how your speech is directed. In other words, it depends on if you are talking to someone, about someone/something or about yourself.

Grammatically this would the differences would be referred to as person and number.

If you are interested in bettering your understanding of Spanish, I would highly recommend you try some of the free video lessons available on this site under the "Learn" tab.

Muchas gracias! I will! - Chobit, Oct 18, 2009

No hay de que. Buenas suertes - Izanoni1, Oct 18, 2009

Answer 2

Esta and estas mean this and these, respectively. Estan is misspelled.

Or they are all spelled correctly but are missing the tilde (on the first two). - samdie, Oct 18, 2009