2. To be, or not be
• In the following levels you’ll learn two different
Spanish meanings for the verb “To Be”. These are
probably the most basic and frequently used
Spanish verbs, so it’s important to understand
how they are different.
3. Ser
• Translated into “I am”,“you are”, “it is” and son on, the
verb “SER” in Spanish is used to describe characteristics
that define something or someone permanently:
I am American – Yo soy Americano
4. Estar
• Also translates into “I am”, “you are”, “it is”. Confused
yet? Don’t be! The verb “ESTAR” in Spanish is used to
describe transient characteristics of something or
someone:
I am lost: Estoy perdido
Being lost is something temporary, right? That’s why in
Spanish you use ESTAR instead of SER.
You can also use it to talk about the whereabouts of
locations.
5. ¿Ser o Estar?
Don’t panic! Just keep in mind the basic characteristics they
help describe and, as you go along, you’ll be presented with
other ways of using them. For now, it’s important you learn
and practice a few phrases that, although basic, will be helpful
in real situations.
6. SER
YES Yo soy Americano NO Yo estoy americano
