How to use the verb to be in spanish, ser and estar the difference

There are few things more confusing for beginning Spanish students, at least those who have English as their first language, than learning the differences between ser and estar. After all, they both mean "to be" in English.

And since both verbs are frequently used, they are as irregular as can be.

Today in this blog, we will focus only with the present tense.

Just remember when learning a foreign language that we don't translate words from one language to another, we translate meanings. And many of our English verbs, "to be" among them, have a multitude of meanings.

Differences between ser and estar

the verb ser is kind of a passive verb and estar as the active one. Ser tells you what something is, the nature of its being, while estar refers more to what something does or feels at the moment of the action. For example: How are you? Como estas? means exactly how you feel at this moment, in this exact second....

Estoy feliz = I am happy right now, I feel happy today

While using the verb ser will mean how you feel most of the time or how your personality is... for example Soy muy feliz = Meaning I am a happy person most of the time is part of my personality

I might use soy (the first-person present of ser) to tell you what I am, but I'd use estoy (the first-person present of estar) to tell you what I am being.

Another example. I might say, "Estoy enfermo." That would tell you that I am being sick, that I am sick at the moment. But it doesn't tell you what I am.

Now if I were to say, "Soy enfermo," that would have a different meaning entirely. That would refer to who I am, to the nature of my being. We might translate that as "I am a sick person" or "I am sickly."

Note similar differences in these examples:

· Estoy cansado, I am tired. Soy cansado, I am a tired person.

· Estoy feliz, I'm happy now. Soy feliz, I am happy by nature.

· Está callada, she's being quiet. Es callada, she's introverted.

· No soy listo, I'm not a quick thinker. No estoy listo, I'm not ready.

You can also think that estar often refers to a temporary condition, while ser frequently refers to a permanent condition. But there are some exceptions.

Among the major exceptions to the above way of thinking is that ser is used in expressions of time, such as "Son las dos de la tarde" for "It's 2 p.m."

Also, we use estar to indicate someone has died — quite a permanent condition: Está muerto, he is dead. This I personally believe comes from religion, because my assumption is that catholic is the main religion linked to the language and therefore, life does not end with death instead you go somewhere else, like heaven or hell. ** please just an assumption not grammatically proved.

Another exception, estar is used to indicate location. Estoy en casa, I am at home. Where is the bank? donde esta el banco... which can be confusing because the location of the bank is pretty much permanent. But our language is so rich as every language that if you accept that location is always estar... you are fine!

But, soy de Ecuador, I am from Ecuador, that is something permanent... It means you will always be from your country regardless where you are right now. Soy de Ecuador pero ahora estoy en Suiza. Nationality is part of your being and it will not change.

There are also a few idiomatic expressions that simply need to be learned, although that comes naturally with time: La manzana es verde, the apple is green. La manzana está verde, the apple is unripe. Está muy bien la comida, the meal tastes very good.

Note that sometimes estar is modified by an adverb such as bien rather than being followed by an adjective. Estoy bien, I'm fine.

More tips to learn spanish, how about a free online lessons with me?

Do you need some tips about learning Spanish as a foreign language.

More about the MarAzul Spanish School in Storify.

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Reasons why to learn spanish in Ecuador

There are many reasons to learn spanish in general. First of all is one of the most popular languages. The language sounds beautiful, is widely used in tourism, business and education. It opens doors for a learning a new and different culture. 

According to most estimates, Spanish is the mother tongue of more than 400 million people around the globe. Therefore, you will be able to speak with 6% of the world's population. It is the official language of 20 different countries. Ecuador is one of them, but why to study spanish in Ecuador? 

We have a few reasons why?

For many travelers, the main reason for being in Ecuador is to learn Spanish. Many have noted as one of the better areas to learn Spanish – in part because of the locals slower pace of speaking (especially when compared to other Latin American countries) 

Quito, Cuenca and Montanita are the hubs for foreigners studying Spanish while discovering the country.

Ecuador has many options to learn spanish, different schools and programs, experienced teachers and fun locations. Our partner school in Montanita is one of them, private lessons are our speciality because of the classes move at your own peace. Because prices are very affordable in Ecuador, you can book your own private teacher that will tailor made your spanish program. Timetable is also flexibel accommodated to your schedule.

Mar Azul Spanish School also provides a very fun atmosphere to learn, as mentioned before Ecuador has many interesting locations where you can travel and enjoy the adventure in south america. 

Ecuadorian open culture will welcome you and will provide the perfect environment to focus in your spanish skills. For example, buying groceries at the store can be challenging if you do not speak spanish but in Ecuador, it is fun. People is very friendly, open and patient; they will help you, repeat and try to be clear for you. It is part of our culture, most of the time a friendly smile in our faces.  

Location, location, location, we can not say this enough but Ecuador has many fun locations to study. If you enjoy cities, cafes, theaters and concerts; Quito and Cuenca are the perfect options. Of course, there are also negative aspects to study on the city, like traffic, polution and safety issues. But these are common situations around the world. You need to be careful and make the best of your experience. 

However, if you prefer more nature, ocean, sun and a simple; life the coast of Ecuador is the perfect location for you. Montanita has a party town reputation and we confirm this, but we also note that is small charming town where everybody is welcomed. There are not many places in the world where locals and foreign make the perfect town. Montanita night life is interesting and diverse but there are more activities that you can do. By instance, learn or improve your surfing skills, do yoga, longs walks on the beach and hills, practice your spanish with the locals, eat local food or experience the international cussine with other turist or expats. There is a place for everyone and everybody.

Curious? Spanish immersion is the best teacher but at Montanita you can also relax with your new friends speaking your own language.  The perfect combination, either way you will never feel alone.

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