Spanish

Estar

Learn how to use estar for location and temporary states.

5 min

The idea

Estar means “to be” for location and current state.

Use estar to say where someone or something is and how someone feels right now.

Estar in the present

01estoyPronunciation: es-TOYI am02estásPronunciation: es-TAHSyou are03estáPronunciation: es-TAHhe, she or you formal is04estamoswe are05estáisyou all are, Spain06estánthey or you all are

Use estar for location

01Estoy en Valencia.I’m in Valencia.02El baño está allí.The bathroom is over there.03Estamos en el centro.We’re in the centre.04¿Dónde está la estación?Pronunciation: DON-deh es-TAH lah es-tah-THYONWhere is the station?

Use estar for current states

01Estoy cansadoPronunciation: es-TOY kan-SAH-doh.I’m tired.02Estoy bien.I’m fine.03Estoy ocupado.I’m busy.04¿Estás bien?Are you okay?

Ser and estar both translate as “to be,” but the job changes.

01

Ser

Soy canadiense.Identity or origin.

02

Estar

Estoy en Valencia.Location or current state.

Common mistake

For physical location, use estar even when the place is permanent.

Valencia está en España. The city is not temporarily there, but location still uses estar.

Useful everyday phrases

01¿Está abierto?Is it open?02¿Está cerrado?Is it closed?03Está cerca.It’s nearby.04Estoy listo.I’m ready.05Estamos aquí.We’re here.

Remember this

Estar answers two practical questions: “Where?” and “How right now?”

Estoy en Valencia. Estoy cansado. El metro está cerca.

Lesson complete

Reviewed 2026-09-07

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