"Estoy" and "Soy"

Question

What is the difference between "Estoy" and "Soy"?

Take for example, "Soy joven." against "Estoy cansado."

Thank you.

Answer 1

Think about estoy as a temporary state. For example, estoy cansado (after you get some sleep you won't be), estoy triste (maybe later you will feel happy).

On the other hand, soy is not so easy to change or it can take a long time. For example, when we describe ourselves, soy responsable, soy estudiante (you will be until you become a worker).

In some situations you could use both, but the difference will be in what you are trying to say and the meaning that it has for you. For example, estoy delgado (this could change) and soy delgado (if you are describing your body build).

Answer 2

another example would be..

"Estoy enfadado contigo!" which means "I'm angry with you!"

versus

"Estoy confundida porque no lo entiendo." which means "I am confused becausa I don't understand."

What's with "I am" and "I'm" in Spanish?

Answer 3

A great example of a situation where both verbs could be used is:

"Eres bonita." Which means "You are beautiful." as in they are alway that way and it is a part of who they are.

To the same person but in a different situation, you could say, "Estás bonita." which means that at this moment they are particularly beautiful (perhaps the person is dressed up for a party.) In this case, the use of estar means that something about them is changed from how they usually are.

Excellent answer. - --Mariana--, Jul 27, 2012

Answer 4

Welcome advenarianne!

Fortunely this confusion is sorted out in the first lessons and are addressed in the grammer section under verbs.

Soy is the first person congugation of the verb ser and is for a physical discription, nationality,or profession. Ser is also used to tell time.

Estoy is the first person congugation of the verb estar which is used for location of people and things as well as emotional states.

If you say "Estoy mal, you are saying you are feeling bad.

If you say " Soy mal" you are saying you are a bad person.

Soy pelirroja pero por el verano estoy rubia.

I am a redhead but through the summer I am a blond.