“To Be or Not to Be!” Yo soy Nosotros somos Uds., ellos ellas son Ser and Estar both mean TO BE. But they may not be used interchangeably Ser - Basic Present Tense Yo soy Nosotros somos Tú eres Uds., ellos ellas son Ud. él, ella es
Uses of Ser 1. Ser is used with “de” to show origin, ownership, possession or what something is made of. Ana es de Madrid. Ana is from Madrid El suéter es de lana. The sweater is wool.
El libro es de Pepe. The book is Pepe’s. 2. A physical description, personality or nationality Ana es alta y rubia. Ana is tall and blond.
3. Telling time Juan es aburrido. John is boring. Son las doce menos tres. It’s 3 minutes to twelve.
4. As a linking verb Mi padre es médico. My father is a doctor. Tú eres profesor de español. You’re a Spanish teacher.
Estar Nosotros estamos Yo estoy Uds., ellos, ellas están Tú estás Ud., él, ella está
1.Estar is used with “en” to show where someone or something is located (temporary or permanent. Madrid está en España. Madrid is in Spain. La taza está en la mesa. The cup is on the table.
2. ESTAR is used to tell health, conditions,emotions or how something tastes. Juan estuvo enfermo ayer. John was sick yesterday. Estoy triste hoy. I am sad today.
La carne está salada. The meat is salty. 3. Estar is the auxiliary verb for the Progressive Tense (ing) El chico está jugando. The boy is playing.
El estudiante está escribiendo. The student is writing. 4. Estar is used to show a change from what is usually considered normal.
Pepe, estás muy guapo hoy. Pepe, you look nice today. Ana, tu pelo está rizado. Ana, your hair is curly!