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uses of ser and estar |
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in English there is only one verb that means to be |
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Spanish has two specific verbs that mean to be |
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two verbs can't be used interchangeably |
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meaning of sentence can be altered if you use the wrong verb |
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generally ser describes more
permanent state of being (there are some
exceptions) |
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generally estar describes more
temporary states (there are some exceptions) |
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see
chart below for list of specific uses for each
verb |
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when to use ser |
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when to use estar | |
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- identify people or things:
Los estudiantes nuevos son Laura y Ricardo.
(The new students are Laura
and Ricardo.)
Es leche. (It is
milk.)
- say where someone is from:
Soy de Chile.
(I am from Chile.)
- describe someone or some thing:
Eres muy inteligente. (You are
very intelligent.)
Mi cuarto es grande.
(My room is big.)
- give the day, date, and time:
Es sábado. It
is Saturday.
Es el doce de julio.
It is July 12th.
Son las tres menos
cuarto. It is
two forty-five.
- with de to show possession:
Es
la mochila de Emilio. It is
Emilio's bookbag.
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- say where someone or something is located:
Los estudiantes están en la clase.
(The students are in
class.)
El diccionario está al lado de la
computadora. (The dictionary is
near the computer.)
- ask and say how people are doing:
Estoy así así. (I am
so-so.)
Estás enfermo. (You are
sick.)
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