The Two Spanish Verbs 'To Be'
Ser
- Ser is the 'passive' or 'permanent' form of 'to be'.
- It means something 'to be' in nature rather than action.
- Yo soy Inglés. = I am English.
- Es callada. = She's introverted.
- Represents permanent or long-term states.
- Yo soy casado. = I am married.
- El es flaco. = He is skinny.
- Surprisingly also used for the time.
- Son las dos de la tarde. = It's 2 pm in the afternoon.
- Es la una. = It is 1:00.
- Indicates possession.
- El coche es mío. = The car is mine.
- Es mi casa. It is my house.
Estar
- Indicates a state or condition.
- Estoy muy triste. = I am very sad.
- Está muy candada. = She is tired.
- Indicates location.
- Las torres gemelas estaban en Nueva York. = The towers are in New York.
- Estamos en casa. = We are at home.
- Está en el baño. = He is in the bathroom.
- Used to form a progressive tense.
- Está cantando. - He is singing.
- To indicate suitability.
- La camisa te está pequeño. = The shirt is small for you.
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