Comparative Grammar 2.9. The Verb “To Be”: “Ser” vs. “Estar” in Spanish & Portuguese

In this comparative grammar lesson of Spanish and Portuguese, we study the difference between “ser” and “estar,” both are translated as “to be” verb in English. There are two verbs in Spanish and Portuguese that are translated as the verb “to be” in English. The two verbs are: “ser” and “estar.” It is often tricky for English speakers to wrap their heads around the difference, but we will explain the difference in a simple manner.

Table of Contents

• Conjugation in the Present Indicative Tense
  • In Spanish
  • In Portuguese
• Uses of the Verb “estar”
• Uses of the Verb “ser”
• Level II – Beginner

Conjugation in the Present Indicative Tense

Before we do that, you need to recognize the two verbs in their present indicative conjugated forms:

In Spanish

In Portuguese

Both “ser” and “estar” are irregular in Spanish and Portuguese. The two verbs are encountered frequently. Thus, it is important to memorize how they are conjugated.

Now, let us look at the difference in meaning between “ser” and “estar.” The easiest way to distinguish between the two is to remember the uses of “estar.” These tend to be more limited than the uses of “ser.” If you remember the uses of “estar,” you can safely assume that everything else should take the verb “ser.”

Uses of the Verb “estar”

• To describe location, for example:

There are two exceptions:

1. One notable exception is when we describe where an event (and not a physical thing) is taking place. In that case, we use “ser,” for example:

2. The second exception applies only in Portuguese: to describe a permanent geographical location, we use the verb “ser” in Portuguese but “estar” in Spanish, for example:

Alternatively, the verb “quedar” in Spanish or the verb “ficar” in Portuguese can be used instead of “ser” to provide the same meaning, for example:

• To describe a temporary state, condition, or emotion, for example:

As you can observe, lying down, being sick, and being happy are temporary states. Therefore, we use the verb “estar.” There are a few exceptions:

• Occupation, religion, nationality, and political affiliation: Although one may change any of those, we use the verb “ser” to describe these states, for example:

• Time: Although time changes, we use the verb “ser” to describe it, for example:

• Physical description: Although one may grow up taller, lose, or gain weight, we still use the verb “ser,” for example:

• Relationships: whether they are changeable or unchangeable, for example:

Uses of the Verb “ser”

Most other cases use the verb “ser,” especially if they describe the essence, origin, or characteristics of something or someone, for example:

In some cases, using “ser” or “estar” can convey a different meaning. For example, “Él es celoso” and “Él está celoso” in Spanish both are translated as “He is jealous.” However, “Él es celoso” conveys that someone is jealous by nature and that this is a characteristic of him, whereas “Él está celoso” conveys that he is feeling jealous in response to a certain condition or event.

The statement “O sorvete é delicioso” (Ice cream is delicious) in Portuguese means that ice cream, in general, has the characteristic of being delicious, whereas “O sorvete está delicioso” likely refers to a specific ice cream that tastes delicious because of its ingredients, flavor, preparation, etc.

Similarly, in Spanish “La manzana es verde” and “La manzana está verde” both are translated as “The apple is green.” However, “La manzana es verde” describes the color of the apple as an intrinsic characteristic of the apple, whereas “La manzana está verde” refers more to the state of the apple being unripe.

Another more common example is when we describe the climate of a place versus the weather at a particular time, e.g., “Canadá é muito frio” (Canada is very cold) in Portuguese describes Canada as a cold place, indicating that being cold is a permanent trait of the place. On the other hand, “Está frio hoje” (It is cold today) simply means that the weather is cold at a specific time, that is, today.

We use the verb “estar” to describe being alive or dead. We do not use “ser” in this case, for example:

To describe one’s marital status, we often use “ser” even though marital status is subject to change. In Spanish, we could use either “ser” or “estar.” Although legal documents may use “ser,” you may hear “estar” more often by Spanish speakers, for example:

Next: Verbs like “Gustar” in Spanish and “Piacere” in Italian

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