To be a smoker...

Question

I know I've been going on about smoking and I'm sorry to bore you as I'm sure you've got better things to do than listen to me being persistent on this particular topic, but I'd like to know if I'm correct in using estar in, 'to be a smoker'.

I just get confused sometimes....

Sorry once again....and thanks.

Seb.

Answer 1

I will let others give you the definitive answer, but here's my best guess....

I can see it being "ser" if it is being used to describe, say, a police suspect. "We are looking for a man who is a smoker."

I can see other people using "ser" to describe a person who smokes.

However, I can see a person who smokes using "estar" if they consider it to be something they are planning to quit, or have tried to quit, or if they only smoke occasionally.

It would still be "ser". You can't follow "estar" by a noun (e.g. un fumador). - samdie, Dec 5, 2010

Nice to know. - Echoline, Dec 5, 2010

Answer 2

Hi Seb,

ser un fumador (permanent attribute)

but: estar contento (temporary state)

Hope this helps,

Carole

Answer 3

I believe since it's something you are, rather than a condition, you would use ser.