Spanish: ser vs. estar

william

I was wondering if someone could help me out and correct me if I'm wrong.

Estar is primarily used for location and emotions and ser is used for description, things that occur, and possession.

So, what am I missing here? And are there any cases in which it doesn't matter which one you use? Also, should dates and times be used with ser (like when you say un dia)?

It'd be great if someone could give me some tips on this. Embarassed

Thanks for any help.

mtorregiani

Ser and Estar are two verbs completely different in spanish. They mean different stuff. You can't say "Yo estoy Martín" ("I'm Martin"), it's like saying that you're in some place called Martín... it makes no sense in spanish.
But if you say "Yo soy Martín" ("I'm Martin") you're saying that your name's Martin.

It's hard to understand if you're not a native spanish speaker.

The dates are used with ser, example: Hoy es[*] Miércoles ("Today is Wednedsday")
[*] Es is a conjugation for ser

n3k0

Estar is used like you say:
- For location: Estoy en casa (I'm at home).
- For emotions: Estoy contento (I'm happy).

But also denotes a changed condition or state as opposed to identity or nature. Here I give you an example that may be can help you tu understand the diference:

- Es una chica guapa pero hoy está muy fea con ese nuevo peinado (She is a pretty girl [usualy] but today she is very ungly with this new hairstyle).

- Soy sordo de nacimiento (I was born deaf).
- Estoy sordo con todo este ruido (I'm deaf with all this noise [but I'm not deaf at all]).

metalfreek

Ser verb is used in permanent cases like name or address. ( yo soy estudiante.)
estar is used in temporary cases like how you feel today. (yo estoy bien.)

By the way I am just learning spanish. Correct me if I am wrong. But this is my understanding.

albuferque

So, what's correct?
Estoy feliz.
or
Soy feliz.

You don't have a general rule for every case of use. You've got to learn it by heart. No way.

It'll also depend on the context and on what are you trying to express.

Sorry, but spanish is not as mathematical as english.

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