Sentences with Ser or Estar: Guide and Exercises

If you are learning Spanish, you will undoubtedly encounter the verbs “ser” and “estar” when you listen to or read in Spanish.

In English, you have the verb “to be, however in Spanish you have to study both “ser” and “estar”

There are several indication within the context so you can figure out when to use “ser” and when to use “estar”

These are some example sentences with the verbs “ser”

#1	Yo soy desarollador web
#2	Tu eres una buena persona
#3	Nosotros somos buenos amigos

#1	Yo estoy contigo
#2	Nosotros estamos en Brazil
#3	Ellos estan enfermos

In this article, we will explore the basics of “ser” and “estar” sentences and provide some tips for proper usage.

Table of Contents

The Basics of the Spanish Verbs “Ser” and “Estar”
Tips for Proper Usage of “Ser” and “Estar” Sentences
Sentences with “Ser” or “Estar”
Sentences with “Estar”
Exercise: Ser and Estar
More Spanish Lessons

The Basics of the Spanish Verbs “Ser” and “Estar”

“Ser” and “estar” do not follow the regular conjugation patterns of other verbs.

“Ser” is used to express the identity, characteristics, and permanent qualities of someone or something. In contrast, the verb “estar” is used to express temporary conditions or states.

“Ser” is conjugated in the present tense as follows:

Spanish	English
Yo soy	I am
Tú eres	You are
Él es	He is
Ella es	She is
Eso es	It is
Ustedes son	You are
Nosotros somos	We are
Ellos son	They are

“Estar” is conjugated in the present tense as follows:

Spanish	English
Yo estoy	I am
Tú estas	You are
Él esta	He is
Ella esta	She is
Eso esta	It is
Ustedes estan	You are
Nosotros estamos	We are
Ellos estan	They are

Tips for Proper Usage of “Ser” and “Estar” Sentences

These are the uses of “ser” in Spanish

Use “ser” for identity and professions: For example, “Soy de México” (I am from Mexico), or “Ella es profesora” (She is a teacher).

Use “ser” with physical and personal characteristics: For example, “El es alto y delgado” (He is tall and slim), or “Ella es inteligente y amable” (She is intelligent and kind).

Use “ser” with dates and times: For example, “Hoy es martes” (Today is Tuesday), or “Son las dos de la tarde” (It is 2 o’clock in the afternoon).

Use “ser” with locations: For example, “La fiesta es en mi casa” (The party is at my house).

Use “ser” in impersonal expressions: Impersonal expressions are phrases that do not refer to a specific person or thing. For example, “Es importante estudiar” (It is important to study).

These are the uses of “Estar” in Spanish

Location: “Estar” is used to express where something or someone is located. For example: “Estoy en la casa” (I am at home).

Emotions and feelings: “Estar” is used to express temporary emotions or feelings. For example: “Estoy feliz” (I am happy).

Health: “Estar” is used to describe a temporary physical or mental state of health. For example: “Estoy cansado” (I am tired).

Condition or state: “Estar” is used to describe the current state or condition of something or someone. For example: “La comida está fría” (The food is cold).