When to use son

Question

I am having trouble on when to son. Is there a sure all method or a quick reference?

Answer 1

Maybe you think spanish has complicated himself, but for all native spanish speakers is more than two words for one simple thing. It's just that we have a clear conscience about two different forms of being:

• es / son is for that inherent characteristics that the subject just owns and nobody can separate from him/her.
• está/ están is talking about ephemeral conditions, not being part of the essence of the object.

I hope in my poor english to be a little clear at least.

(Was my last phrase well written? :P) - Belldjin, Sep 8, 2011

Your English is pretty good. Just remember to capitalise "Spanish. Also, I'd say, "...we are conscious of two different forms...." You can say it like you did, but it's technically a little off. - MrSillyInc, Sep 8, 2011

Answer 2

You can read this reference to help you here.
But, if you really want to know how to use SER and ESTAR, please read this article

For a short answer to hopefully not confuse you more,
When you are describing attributes of multiple people, places or things (using ser)

Las piedras son pesado
Las jirafas son muy altas

on the other hand, using estar

Las piedras están mojados.
Las jirafas están corriendo.

Answer 3

unfortunately, there is not a sure fire method. since spanish has complicated itself by having two words for our one word, "be", it does get a little confusing. even i find myself asking, ser or estar? here are some guidelines:

ser(son for plural) refers to something about someone or something that is unchangeable- attributes like tall, skinny, girl, blonde, etc. also when things are owned (my books:son mios, their dogs: son suyos) time(son las nueve y media) and unchangeable things: a mean person(always mean), hard consistency, color, or "complicated".

estar(estan for plural) refers location, attitudes, changeable things, and when talking about things that are happening: we are walking together(estamos caminando juntos) and when describing "background" information in a story: we were swimming when... location doesnt have to be the location of a building or place but also your position or location. in general, its easier to remember what estar is for: location, moods, changeable or conditional things, and when "be" is used with an "ing" word. then, naturally all others are ser.