Here are 3 insightful videos that clearly explain the differences between these two very common Spanish verbs: “ser” and “estar”. Their meaning is (in general):
Ser = to be
Estar = to stay
But this is their basic meaning, you have to learn how to use them correctly in the videos below.
Video #1 – How to Use “SER”
The Present Indicative of These 2 Common Spanish Verbs
| SER | TO BE | ESTAR | TO STAY |
| Yo soy | I am | Yo estoy | I stay |
| Tu eres | You are | Tu estás | You stay |
| Él/Ella es | He/She is | Él/Ella está | He/She stays |
| Nosotros/Nosotras somos | We are | Nosotros/Nosotras estamos | We stay |
| Vosotros/Vosotras sois | You are | Vosotros/Vosotras estáis | You stay |
| Ellos/Ellas son | They are | Ellos/Ellas están | They stay |
⇑ Go to the Table of Contents – Common Spanish Verbs⇑
The SIMPLE PAST (Preterite) of These 2 Common Spanish
| SER | TO BE | ESTAR | TO STAY |
| Yo fui | I am | Yo etuve | I stayed |
| Tu fuiste | You are | Tu estuviste | You stayed |
| Él/Ella fue | He/She is | Él/Ella estuvo | He/She stayed |
| Nosotros/Nosotras fuimos | We are | Nosotros/Nosotras estuvimos | We stayed |
| Vosotros/Vosotras fuisteis | You are | Vosotros/Vosotras estuvisteis | You stayed |
| Ellos/Ellas fueron | They are | Ellos/Ellas estuvieron | They stayed |
Video #3 – “SER” VS. “ESTAR”: Rule of Thumb
Learn to Speak Spanish with SpanishPod101
What is the difference between Ser and Estar?
Here’s an article that explains the difference between “ser” and “estar”:
There are two verbs that mean “to be” in Spanish, ser and estar.
Ser is used in a simple way, to talk about WHAT something is (permanent state). To describe characteristics that are an essential part of the thing we’re talking about.
Estar is used to talk about HOW something is, so we use it for conditions, locations, emotions, and actions (temporary states).