Difference Between Estar and Ser

Question

What is the difference between Estar and Ser, when they both mean, "to be?"

Answer 1

There are many websites which give a good explanation about this. Here's one: http://www.studyspanish.com/lessons/serest1.htm

Answer 2

Very very basically; we use estar to describe a state of someone/something.

We use ser to describe the nature of someone/something.

Thanks! - Jsprite7660, May 16, 2013

Answer 3

Estar = is about being in a place... Ser = is about being something or someone...

This must be in the kitchen Esto debe estar en la cocina

You can be whatever you want Tu puedes ser lo que quieras

and wherever you want. ;) - chileno, May 18, 2013

Answer 4

Here's another link. It's right here.

http://www.spanishdict.com/topics/show/41