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SpanishCopula

Ser vs. estar

Ser = essence (DOCTOR). Estar = state (PLACE).

Use ser for Descriptions, Occupations, Characteristics, Time, Origin, Relationships.

Use estar for Position, Location, Action (progressive), Condition, Emotion.

Same adjective, different meaning: es aburrido (he is boring) vs. está aburrido (he is bored).

Examples

  • "Soy de Madrid pero estoy en Lima."

    I'm from Madrid but I'm in Lima.