Spanish

Ser vs Estar

Choose the right way to say “is” when describing people, places and how things are.

4 min

The idea

Choose the meaning before choosing the verb.

Use ser to identify or describe a characteristic. Use estar for location and how someone or something is at a particular time.

Say what someone or something is.

01Es una cafetería.es OO-nah kah-feh-teh-REE-ahIt is a café.02Ana es médica.Ana is a doctor.03El café es bueno.The coffee is good in general.

Say where it is or how it is now.

01La cafetería está cerca.lah kah-feh-teh-REE-ah es-TAH THEHR-kahThe café is nearby.02Ana está cansada.Ana is tired.03El café está frío.The coffee is cold.

The same adjective can change the meaning.

A characteristic

Es aburrido.Pronunciation: es ah-boo-REE-dohHe or it is boring.

A current state

Está aburrido.Pronunciation: es-TAH ah-boo-REE-dohHe is bored.

“Permanent or temporary” is not a reliable rule.

Valencia está en España is a location, even though it is not moving. Soy estudiante describes your role, even though that can change.

Use both in one conversation.

01¿Cómo es el barrio?What is the neighbourhood like?02Es tranquilo y está cerca del centro.It is quiet and it is near the centre.03¿Estás bien?Are you okay?04Sí, estoy bien.Yes, I am okay.

Remember this

Ser describes what it is. Estar gives its location or current state.

Es un buen restaurante y está cerca de casa. It is a good restaurant and it is near home.

Lesson complete

Reviewed 2026-09-07

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