What is the difference between estás and estáis?

Question

estas de viaje

and

estais tristes

whats the difference?

Answer 1

Hola whyekeat and Welcome to SpanishDict!! We're glad to have you as a member!

This is a great question, here's my explanation:

Estás - this is the tú form and would be "you are" (singular) this is informal

Estáis - this is the vosotros form and would also be "you are" but would be talking about a group so, it's plural, it is formal. However, you don't usually use the vosotros form unless you are in Spain.

Here is one of the Spanish lessons where Paralee explains the different conjugations of Estar.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

"estás" - 2nd pers sing familiar (tú) "estáis" - 2nd pers plural familiar (vosotros)

Since English doesn't distinguish sing/plu in the 2nd person, both can be translated as "you are".

Answer 3

I'm going to take a guess here, but I think you might need some accent marks.

In "estas de viaje", "estas" would mean "theses" unless you meant estás which is the informal conjugation for "you are" (estar)

Estáis tristes. would translate as "You (formal) are sad."

I'm not absolutely sure though. Maybe someone else could help you a little more.

YESS!! i meant that! but my computer didnt allow the accent marks. Thanks. thats what i meant. But idk whats the different betweent the two and how to use them. - whyekeat, Jan 20, 2010

If you are talking about someone you know really well... like your best friend or parent you would say "Estás triste" - You are sad. (singular informal). On the other hand if you are talking about a group of people that you don't know you would say. - jaimecole, Jan 20, 2010

Estáis tristes. You all are sad. (plural formal) - jaimecole, Jan 20, 2010

I hope that helps. :) - jaimecole, Jan 20, 2010