when do I use the verb ser vs estar
when do I use ser
4 Answers
Hi Glenda, and welcome to SpanishDict!
The answer you want is here
I found it in our Reference Section, which you should get to know. Just click on the "More" on the blue bar above to find "Reference" on the menu.
¡Buena suerte!
I'm guessing that you are not new to learning Spanish. I looked at your profile page and saw that you have created a set of flashcards. I'm thinking you have already done some basic work in Spanish. So, here are some additional things you could do to work on the differences between "ser" and "estar".
Here is the Lesson where our teacher Paralee Whitmire looks at some of those differences.
"Click" on this link ----> Lesson 1.11, and
Here is a second reference article that takes yet another look at the same topic.
"Click" on this link ----> Lazarus Reference Article..
These 2 together with the reference given by Goyo in his reply will give you a pretty in-depth look at this topic.
Recuerdos/Regards,
Moe
Someone I know I think said though, that Ser is more permanent- like Soy morena (for example, if you have brown hair!) and Estoy confundida- I am confused ...
The permanent/temporary distinction is a "pseudo" rule. It often works (perhaps, more than 50% of the time) but it often fails. When it fails it is not because there is some sort of "exception" but because the rule is flawed. Spanish speakers do not think in terms of permanent/temporary (of course, in many cases, they don't consciously choose between ser/estar at all).
There are several threads/lessons that deal with this topic in some detail (and provide numerous examples/counter-examples). If the subject is of interest to you, you would do well to make a search for these threads/articles.
Try the lesson on learn spanish 1, ser vs estar. Someone I know I think said though, that Ser is more permanent- like Soy morena (for example, if you have brown hair!) and Estoy confundida- I am confused, which may be how you're feeling but it's not permanent (in 2 ways!).
