Better description of "ser y estar"

Question

I would like something a bit easier to understand than the long list of examples that just don't make sense. Is there a shorter general rule?.......because when i'm trying to speak to someone it just takes to long to remember "DOCTOR" and "PLACE".......So, is there anything quicker and easier to help me with this???

Answer 1

Someone will give you the simple rule that Estar is for temporary conditions and Ser is for permanent ones. That "rule" is very common, but it is frowned upon by many here because there are so many exceptions to it that the rule becomes unreliable.

But the fact is, the use of Ser vs Estar is something that you sort of have to get a feel for.

The best article ever was done by a member here: Lazarus on Ser y Estar.

Hang in there, you will get it.

Thank you Goyo :) I actually do not understand how anyone can make sense of all this! LOL There just seems to be too many exceptions and rules that are regularly broken......maybe I am thinking too much jeje - Daria8885, Jan 10, 2010

Answer 2

If there were a simple, comprehensive rule, then the topic would not be among one of the most frequently asked questions on this forum and other Spanish language forums. (after using querer/amar and how to say "I love..."). Since "to be" is such a commonly used verb it is understandable that it has evolved into many specific usages varying with context. Ser/Estar is only the beginning. Other verbs are used in different contexts to mean "to be" such as Hacer with weather and time expressions and Tener with nouns like hunger, fear, cold, etc.

The use of estar/ser is complicated and no single, comprehensive rule is going to cover all the contexts. (e.g. the uses of ser/estar with location...it depends on whether the object is physical or abstract).