Difference between Ser and Estar

Differences between ‘ser’ and ‘estar’: Mastering Spanish Verbs with Ease

Today, we’re embarking on a linguistic adventure to unravel the mysteries of two Spanish verbs that often baffle learners: ‘ser’ and ‘estar’.

Differences between Ser and Estar

These verbs, both translating to ‘to be’ in English, are the charismatic duo of the Spanish language. But fret not! We’re here to decode their differences, uses, and sprinkle in some fun quizzes and exercises to make your learning journey as enjoyable as a stroll through Valencia’s vibrant streets!

1. Understanding ‘Ser’

‘Ser’ is like the foundation of a building – it’s used to describe permanent or lasting attributes. Think of it as the verb that deals with the essence of things. Here’s where you use ‘ser’:

  • Identity: “Yo soy Juan” (I am Juan).
  • Origin: “Ella es de España” (She is from Spain).
  • Time: “Son las ocho” (It’s eight o’clock).
  • Characteristics: “El cielo es azul” (The sky is blue).

2. The World of ‘Estar’

‘Estar’, on the other hand, is the verb of change and condition. It’s like the changing colours of the sky throughout the day. Use ‘estar’ for:

  • Location: “Estoy en la escuela” (I am at school).
  • Temporary states: “Estás cansado” (You are tired).
  • Emotions: “Estamos felices” (We are happy).
  • Ongoing actions (progressive tenses): “Están comiendo” (They are eating).

3. Ser vs. Estar: The Confusion Clearer

Sometimes, choosing between ‘ser’ and ‘estar’ can change the meaning of a sentence entirely! For example:

  • “Eres aburrido” (You are boring – a characteristic) vs. “Estás aburrido” (You are bored – a temporary state).
  • “Es seguro” (It’s safe – a permanent quality) vs. “Está seguro” (It’s safe – a temporary condition).
  • “Soy feliz”. Normally, I am generally happy (let’s forget the bad times).
  • “Estoy feliz”. For the moment, now I feel happy, after having had a bad time, or regardless of whether tomorrow I will be just as happy or whether, on the contrary, a stone on the road…

4. Tips for Mastery

  • Remember, ‘ser’ is for what something is, and ‘estar’ is for how something is.
  • Use mnemonic devices. For ‘ser’, think of DOCTOR (Description, Occupation, Characteristics, Time, Origin, Relationship). For ‘estar’, remember PLACE (Position, Location, Action, Condition, Emotion).
  • Practice, practice, practice!

Conclusion

Mastering the differences between ‘ser’ and ‘estar’ is like learning to dance – it takes practice, but once you get it, you’ll flow with the rhythm of the Spanish language effortlessly. Keep practising, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun with it!

¡Hasta luego!

Practical exercises

1. Fill in the blanks

It’s your turn! Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs SER or ESTAR.

2. Fill in the blanks

Let’s complete the following sentences with the forms of SER or ESTAR in the preterite perfect, preterite indefinite or preterite imperfect tense.

3. Group by Significance

Group the following attributes under ‘ser’ or ‘estar’.

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Imperative mood in Spanish

The imperative mood (imperativo) is used to give commands or orders, instructions and give advice.

Spanish lessons. Imperative mood in Spanish.
  • Giving orders: “Roberto, pon la mesa, por favor”.
  • Giving instructions: “Primero introduzca la moneda, después marque el número”.
  • Offering: “Coge más tarta”.
  • Giving advise: “Si bebes, no conduzcas”.

Forms of the imperative mood

Regular verbs

HABLARCORRERVIVIR
(tú)HablaCorreVive
(vosotros)HabladCorredVivid
(usted)HableCorraViva
(ustedes)HablenCorranVivan

Irregular verbs

A) Verbs with la same irregularity that the Present of Indicative:

CERRARCONTARREPETIRCONDUCIRCONSTRUIRCONSEGUIR
(tú)CierraCuentaRepiteConduceConstruyeConsigue
(vosotros)CerradContadRepetidConduzcaConstruyaConsiga
(usted)CierreCuenteRepitaConducidConstruidConseguid
(ustedes)CierrenCuentenRepitanConduzcanConstruyanConsigan

B) Totally irregular verbs:

DECIR HACER IRSEPONER SALIRSERTENER VENIROÍRSABER
(tú)DiHazVetePonSalTenVenOyeSabe
(vosotros) DecidHacedIdosPonedSalidSedTenedVenidOídSabed
(usted)DigaHagaVáyasePongaSalgaSeaTengaVengaOigaSepa
(ustedes) Digan HaganVáyanse Pongan Salgan Sean Tengan Vengan Oigan Sepan

In this video, the great chef nando and our head of studies, Jenny, are going to teach you more about the imperative mood.

Exercise

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Diferences between “allá”, “haya”, “halla” in Spanish

“Allá”, “haya”, “halla”, surely, you have read or heard some words in Spanish that sound the same but have a completely different meaning. This is the case with these three words that are very similar but very distinct at the same time.

Allá, haya, halla in Spanish

Of these three words, “allá” is the easiest to distinguish, because of its spelling, which has an accent, and its acute pronunciation. However, “halla” and “haya” are words that most Spanish speakers pronounce the same.

Let’s get to know these three words a little better.

“HALLA”

It is a form of the verb “hallar”, which means to find someone or something. To discover the truth or understand a thing after thinking and reflecting on it.

It is equivalent to the third person singular of the present indicative and the second person singular of the imperative mood.

The verb “hallar” can also often be found in its reflexive form “hallarse” (equivalent to encontrarse).

Presente de indicativo

(yo) hallo

(tú) hallas

(él) halla

(nosotros) hallamos

(vosotros) halláis

(ellos) hallan

Imperativo

(tú) halla

(él / ella) halle

(nosotros) hallemos

(vosotros) hallad

(ellos) hallen

Ejemplos:

Me hallo en medio de un bosque muy especial / Me encuentro en medio de un bosque muy especial. 

Ella siempre halla la manera de escaparse de los problemas / Ella siempre encuentra la manera de escaparse de los problemas. 

“HAYA”

This is a form of the conjugation of the verb “haber”. The first and third person in the present subjunctive. And its main function is to appear as an auxiliary in compound tenses.

Presente de subjuntivo

(yo) haya

(tú) hayas

(él) haya

(nosotros) hayamos

(vosotros) hayáis

(ellos) hayan

Ejemplos:

No creo que haya víctimas en el accidente.

Cuando haya comido iré a verte. 

Cuando hayas visitado a tu madre me avisas. 

Cuando hayas terminado el trabajo tienes que ir a comprar. 

Explíquenos lo que haya visto.

Que haya paz en el mundo. 

Como último apunte, “haya” puede referirse a un nombre de árbol. 

Me gusta mucho el haya de tu jardín. 

“ALLÁ”

It is an adverb of place and is used to indicate a place that is far away from our position. As it has a tilde in its written form and is pronounced in an acute manner, it is not difficult to distinguish the word “allá” in a sentence.

Ejemplos:

Allá está la casa de mis hermanos.

Aquello de allá es el Ayuntamiento.

Exercises

Fill in the space with the correct word: allá, haya, halla

Remember, “haya” often accompanies other verbs, and is a form of the verb “haber”. It can also be a tree! “Halla” can often be reflexive “hallarse”, and is equivalent to “encontrar”. And “allá” refers to a place that is far away from us.

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Spanish idioms: hombre

The word “hombre” does not only mean “man”. In Spain the word is also used in other contexts. ¿Quieres saber cómo?

Expresiones 4