ser

Senses

1. 1.

   to be (identity/essence)

   Used to express who or what someone/something is, or permanent qualities

2. 2.

   to be (profession/occupation)

   Used to indicate what someone does for a living or their role

3. 3.

   to be (time/date)

   Used to express the time, date, or season

4. 4.

   to be (in passive voice)

   Auxiliary verb forming the passive voice with past participles

Examples

• "Yo soy ingeniero."

  I am an engineer.

• "Ella es inteligente y amable."

  She is intelligent and kind.

• "¿Qué hora es? Es las tres."

  What time is it? It is three o'clock.

Usage

Ser is one of two main Spanish verbs meaning "to be"; use it for permanent states, identity, and profession (unlike estar, which is for location and temporary conditions). It is highly irregular in conjugation. Common mistake: confusing ser and estar.