A1 · GRAMMAR
ser and estar: the two 'to be' verbs
In Spanish, there are two verbs for 'to be'. ser is used for permanent characteristics, identity, profession, origin, and time; estar is used for temporary states, emotions, and location. Some adjectives change their meaning depending on whether they are used with ser or estar.
In this lesson
1. ser: what / who?
Identity, profession, origin, character, time, material.
Soy turco. Soy ingeniero.
I am Turkish. I am an engineer.
2. estar: how / where?
Temporary state, emotion, health, location.
Estoy cansado.
I am tired.
3. Location is always estar
Where something is located → estar.
Madrid está en España.
Madrid is in Spain.
4. Meaning changes
ser aburrido = boring, estar aburrido = bored.
La película es aburrida.
The movie is boring.
💡 Shortcut: permanent/definition → ser, temporary/state/location → estar. But event locations (parties, concerts) use ser: La fiesta es en mi casa.