Ser and Estar

Question

Hi, in my Spanish class at school, we are learning about the differences between these two verbs. Does anybody have any tips on how to remember the difference? Thanks!

See my post "Sentence of the day - ser v estar? Very good answers. - foxluv, Sep 24, 2010

Answer 1

Welcome to the forum! There is a great lesson here on the subject, here it is:

link text

Good luck!

Answer 2

Very broadly speaking:

Ser refers to fundamental characteristics that make someone different than other people (being tall, fat, married, etc.)

Estar refers to differences from the normal state of the person (being sad, sick, or dead.)

The rules for things instead of people are similar, but there are some odd conventions about what is fundamental.

Answer 3

Here's another good reference

Answer 4

Only one bit of advice. If anyone (or anything you read) says anything that implies that the distinction between permanent/temporary is significant/relevant, ignore everything that person says.

Ah, Samdie! You're being harsh again!! - CalvoViejo, Sep 24, 2010

I love that advice though! That 'permanent/temporary rule' will forever be propagated, but it needs to be outlawed :~) - Jack-OBrien, Sep 24, 2010

Answer 5

Thanks everyone for all the help! These are all great resources.

Answer 6

Of course you will need to know more than this and see lots of examples for the penny to drop fully but the following are a couple of quotes, from one of our grammatically astute members, which I found to be excellent aids to understanding these two verbs:

The CID rule: SER is used to classify, identify, and define (CID)

ESTAR is used for situations and states in time and space.

Answer 7

ser - permanent

for example: boy, girl, color, time, where you are from, title of job...

estar - not permanent

for example: where you/it... are at right now, mood, if you are sick or not, single or married, dead or not...

Answer 8

Just one tip (it may or may not help): if the descriptor following the "to be" verb is a noun or pronoun, you'll use a conjugation of "ser".

Example: She is a doctor. Since "doctor" is a noun, you'll need to use "ser"

Ella es médico.

If the descriptor is an adjective, all bets are off. You might use "ser" or you might use "estar".

I am dead. Estoy muerto.