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.
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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.
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Estar is used to talk about HOW something is, so we use it for conditions, locations, emotions, and actions (temporary states).