Ser or Estar for taste?

Question

I have a source that says that it is correct to say, " Estas uvas están agrias." But isn't taste (sour) of (inherent characteristic) the object tasted? So wouldn't it take Ser: Estas uvas son agrias."?

Please complete your SD profile - it helps us answer your questions. - ian-hill, May 7, 2013

Thanks, great question that produced great answers! - 0095ca4c, May 9, 2013

Answer 1

Estas uvas están agrias = These grapes are sour (they're not usually sour, but these are)
Estas uvas son agrias = These grapes are sour (inherent characteristic)

you got it! - chileno, May 7, 2013

Exactly. A lot of these ser-estar questions aren´t either-or scenarios, but rather shades of meaning, often reflecting on what is normal-expected-typical (ser) vs this particular case, or right now, or these (estar) - rogspax, May 7, 2013

Answer 2

"Están" in this case refers to these particular grapes being eaten. "Son" would mean that this species of grapes are known for being sour.

Answer 3

RolloMartins Muchas gracias. Ahora creo comprender.

You see, is not a matter of "knowing" grammar and its rules, but mostly applying what you know from your language to the other. You're bound to have differences, but mostly, it is about the same.

Answer 4

Muchas gracias. Ahora creo comprender.

Answer 5

In my opinion you are correct.

Those grapes are bitter.

Esas uvas son amargas.

But wait for a native speaker.