Ser vs. Estar: The Final Round

Ser vs. Estar: The Final Round

This is the third and final lesson on the usage of the verbs ser and estar.  Today, we'll review the first two lessons and then go over a few final examples and have a quick quiz.

REVIEW/REPASO:

Remember, the main difference between ser and estar...

We use ser to refer to an essential or permanent quality...

• Juan is a terrible person. Juan es una persona horrible.
• Jorge is from Oklahoma. Jorge es de Oklahoma.
• They are absolutely insane. Ellos son absolutamente locos.
• I am an American citizen. Yo soy un ciudadano americano.

We use estar to refer to current or temporary quality...

• Juan is tired.  Juan está cansado.
• Jorge is not talking [right now].  Jorge está callado.
• They are looking pretty.  Ellas están guapas.
• I am doing well.  Yo estoy bien.

One confusing situation is the verb "to die," which seems quite permanent.  Nevertheless, "estar" is used....

• Miguel is dead.  Miguel está muerto.

Estar also refers to geographical locations...

• She's in Mexico.  Ella está en México.

...except when you wish to refer to an event taking place...

• The party's at my house.  La fiesta es en mi casa.

Any time the verb is followed with a noun, use ser...

• She is a lawyer.  Ella es una abogada.  

Idiomatic expressions tend to use estar...

• to be in a good mood - estar de buen humor
• to be in a bad mood - estar de mal humor
• to be in agreement with - estar de acuerdo con
• to feel like - estar con ganas de 
• to be running behind - estar atrasado/a
• to be fed up with - estar harto/a

QUIZ:

Read the following sentences, filling in the blank area with a conjugated version of either ser or estar... the English translation is added for extra assistance if necessary. (An answer key will be provided below the quiz, so after taking the quiz you may check your answers).

1. María trabajó toda la noche.  Ella ______ muy cansada.

Maria worked all night.  She is very tired.

2. Creo que te va gustar; él ____ muy guapo.

I think you're going to like him.  He is very handsome.

3. Creo que la reunión _____ en la oficina del Miguel.

I think the meeting is at Mike's office.

4. No me hables hoy.  Yo ______ de mal humor.

Don't talk to me.  I'm in a bad mood.

5. No te preocupes.  Yo  ______ un médico. 

Don't worry.  I'm a doctor.

6. Ella _____ corriendo muy despacio.

She is running very slowly.

7. Nosotros ________ hartos con su comportamiento.

We are fed up with his behavior.

8. El carro ______ en el garaje.

The car is in the garage.

9. Lo siento.... tu amigo ______ muerto.

I'm sorry...your friend is dead.

10. Yo ______ tu padre.

I am your father.

ANSWERS/RESPUESTAS:

1. está

2. es

3. es

4. estoy

5. soy

6. está

7. estamos

8. está

9. está

10. soy 

Did you miss any?  Be sure to practice saying the correct version of the sentences you missed.  Also, practice saying any of the others that you may forget later and any that did not come easy.  Saying the sentences aloud will be helpful!