Ser vs Estar

Ser names what something is: identity, origin, material, the time. Estar names the state it is in: location, mood, condition, and every progressive tense.

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Full guides to ser and estar

ser

Usage

Permanent characteristics and essential qualities:

Identity and inherent traits (Soy médico - I am a doctor)
Nationality/origin (Es de España - He's from Spain)
Personal relationships (Es mi hermana - He's my sister)
Physical appearance (Son altos - They are tall)
Time/date (Son las diez - It's 10 o'clock)
Material/origin (Es de plata - It's made of silver)
Passive voice (Las notas son publicadas - Grades are published)

Key Differences from Estar

Describes permanent states
Used for essential characteristics
Indicates origin/identity
Used with time/date expressions

estar

Usage

Temporary states and current conditions:

Locations (Están en el pasillo - They're in the hallway)
Temporary emotions (Está contenta - She's happy)
Present progressive (Está hablando - He's speaking)
Marital status (Están casados - They're married)
Perceived appearance (Está delgado - He looks thin)
Prices with "a" (Están a 2€ - They're 2€)

Key Differences from Ser

Describes temporary states
Indicates current location
Used for ongoing actions
Shows changing conditions

Where the choice changes the meaning

Context	ser	estar
Identity and role	Es profesora — a teacher by profession.	Está de profesora — working as a teacher for now.
Location	Only for events: la fiesta es en mi casa.	Está en el pasillo — where anything is.
Appearance	Es delgado — a thin person.	Está delgado — looks thin, or has lost weight.
Feelings	Es aburrido — a boring person.	Está aburrido — bored right now.
Time and date	Son las diez — every clock and calendar expression.	Not used.
Ongoing actions	Not used with the gerund.	Está hablando — every progressive tense.
Ready or clever	Es listo — clever.	Está listo — ready.