Using Ser or Estar with 'comfortable'?

Question

When saying this car is comfortable do I use ser or estar? Is it the same for chairs etc...

Are there any instances when it varies whether you use ser/estar with 'comfortable'?

Hi Brona. Welcome to the forum! :) - rac1, Sep 19, 2012

Answer 1

You can say Esta silla es cómoda (stating a fact) or Esta silla está cómoda (as opposed to another one that isn't as comfortable). Este carro es cómodo (again, a fact or a strong opinion).

The following example uses ser and estar:

Este carro está cómodo, pero hay otros que son mucho más cómodos que éste.

This car is comfortable, and yet there are other even more comfortable than this one.

The first part of the sentence denotes a subjective state of mind about the car. The subordinate clause leaves no doubt that other cars are more comfortable.

Ser and estar are a pain in the neck, I know! Read, read, and read lots and get your ear used to what to use and when.

very interesting - thanks Franco :) - Kiwi-Girl, Sep 19, 2012

Wow ! Franco that has made the "estar ser " bizzo so much clearer for me , I thank you my friend. - ray76, Sep 19, 2012

Answer 2

If it's a characteristic of something, a car, a sofa etc then you'd use ser. If you were referring to people being comfortable you could use estar, but sentirse is also a common verb used for this.