Severn Spanish

Ser vs. estar II

 

 

Introduction/Review

Ser and estar both translate as "to be," but both mean different things in context. For this reason, some adjectives that are used with both verbs can mean different things depending on whether they are used with ser or estar. Sometimes the changes in meaning are pretty drastic, so you'll need to be careful with the verb you use.

 

Adjectives with ser and estar

The following are some of the most common and most important adjectives with different ser/estar meanings. Examples are below, as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examples:

1. María es joven. Su mamá está joven. (María is young. Her mom looks young.)

2. Manuel está listo -- ya tiene puesto su chaqueta. Marta es lista -- siempre sabe la respuesta correcta. (Manuel is ready -- he's already wearing his jacket. Marta is clever -- she always knows the right answer.)

3. El profesor es aburrido. Elena está aburrida. (The professor is boring. Elena is bored.)

4. Tú estás pálido -- ¿te sientes bien? Marco es rubio y pálido. (You are pale -- do you feel well? Marco is blonde and pale.)

5. Confio en ella porque es segura. Estoy seguro de que él me robó. (I trust her because she is reliable. I am sure that he robbed me.)

6. Los niños son muy vivos. Fortunadamente, el gato todavía está vivo. (The children are very lively. Fortunately, the cat is still alive.)

 

Practice