I want a easy way to learn how and when to use the verb ser and estar
I am learning spanish and I am finding it very hard at the moment we are learning the verbo SER to be and ESTAR to be but I am totally confused is there a easy way to remember the difference
5 Answers
People might tell you that "ser" is used for permanent characteristics and "estar" for temporary, changing characteristics. Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. I've attached a link to the Reference page on this topic. The Reference section has a lot of great information and is a great place to start if you have questions.
¡Bienvendios! (Welcome!)
This link will help you to understand, written by one of our star forers and native speaker.
Welcome to the forum! I found if I just memorized when to use estar then I would automaticaly know when to use ser. It's simplified this way. So I made myself a little ryme....Estar: "Health, location, changing mood and condition." Now I automatically know that whatever does not fall under this little ryme is Ser! There may be a few exceptions that I am not aware of but overall this method of memorization has made my life so easy and I almost never fail to get it right! Hope this helps but definitly do not use my advice above that of a native speaker.See you around the forum!
One rhyme that may help understand the BASICS is: "How you feel and where you are, then you use the verb ESTAR." This applies to feelings and where things/people are located. MOST everything else uses ser. Of course, there are exceptions...
There's no easy way, I'm afraid, just reading in Spanish, listening to Spanish-speaking people and so on. Once you "get it", there's no possible confusion, but it needs time and practice.
