estar/ser------should it be estoy? o soy?

Question

estar - condition ser - essence

When I say "I'm Happy" I should say "Estoy feliz" right?

but in some site they also say "Soy feliz"

Which one is right? =( ---so confusing!!

Answer 1

If someone is happy in general, or always happy, then soy feliz. Estar for something temporary. Ser for something permanent.

Have a look at this thread. http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/177096/ser-and-estar-song-game#a385230

http://www.spanishdict.com/learn/browse/1 see lesson 1.11 - Encalada, Feb 23, 2011

Answer 2

Soy feliz = I'm a happy person / I'm a happy sort. Happiness is one of your identifying characteristics. Happiness is part of your essence.

Estoy feliz = I'm happy (your current emotional state).

Answer 3

Like all rules, there are exceptions.

As SpanishDict says...

General Ser Rule

Ser is used to classify and identify permanent or lasting attributes. If the general rule isn´t specific enough for you, think of the acronym DOCTOR, which stands for Description, Occupation, Characteristic, Time, Origin, and Relationship.

Answer 4

The "rule" about "ser for permanent" is not a very reliable rule.

You ought to look at the reference article here at SpanishDict, Ser and Estar