What's the difference between estoy and soy?

Question

What is the difference between estoy and soy ?

Answer 1

Here is a good link with explanation, conjugation , examples, an exercise to practice ser and estar and even the answers.

ser and estar link

Thanks for sharing this, it not only has the information but a quiz with answers! - bandit51jd, Mar 13, 2012

de nada. :) - shama807, Mar 13, 2012

thanks a lot, it was great - katy23, Mar 15, 2012

you're welcome. - shama807, Mar 15, 2012

Answer 2

Sham gave you a great link.

Estoy: (I am) refers to location, emotions, conditions, etc.

Examples: Estoy en la tienda. (I'm at the store). Estoy cansado (I'm tired). Estoy feliz (I'm happy)

Soy: (I am) characteristics, Identity, definition, etc.

Examples: Soy Americana (I am American). Soy lista (I'm clever). Soy timida (I'm shy.)

Remember the exceptions:

1) Ser is used in expressions of time, such as "Son las dos de la tarde" for "It's 2 p.m."

2) We use estar to indicate someone has died — quite a permanent condition: Está muerto, he is dead.

3) We use estar to state where something is located (although in a permanent place) "Nueva York está en Los Estados Unidos."

4) You can use either ser or estar when talking about your marital status. "Estoy / soy casada."

thanks Mariana, I guess in this way I will never forget those exceptions : ) - katy23, Mar 15, 2012