What is the difference between ser and estar in Spanish?

Question

I understand both mean "to be". But can anyone give me examples of the differences and how they are used?

Answer 1

ser is used to talk about permanent things such as

- possession
- the time
- occupation
- place of origin
- nationality
- religious affiliation

estar refers to temporary events such as:

- state or condition
- geographic or physical location

Answer 2

Ser is used for more permanent things, such as:

I am Spanish - Soy de Espana (o: soy espanol)
I am friendly - Soy amable.

Estar is used for temporary things, such as:

I am angry: Estoy enojado.
I am sad: Estoy triste.
It is also used for location:
He is at the supermarket: Esta en el supermercado.

There are many more uses for ser and estar, make sure to learn them. There are many sites online that can help. Just googlesearch "differences between ser and estar."

Answer 3

well, in spanish is different, cos in englihs is the same verb. In spanish "SER" refers to something that you actually are, like your profession, a capacity or a quality. "James es fuerte" (James is strong), Ellos son Cientificos (They are scientifics), Soy responsable (I'm responsable); But "ESTAR" is refering to the place that you are in an especific moment or a fisical/ emotional state. Ex. Ellos estan en el jardin (They are in the Garden); Estoy cansada (I'm tired), Ella esta enferma (She is sick/ has a disease)

Answer 4

ser is more permanant

estar on the other is more temporary for example Como esta = how are you which is obviously a temporary condition

Answer 5

ser (permanent) ser feliz! = to be happy!
estar ( not that permanent) estar con sed = to be thirsty

Answer 6

#9
http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~hcritz/commandments.htm