Ser and Estar

Both ser and estar mean to be, but they have different uses. You use estar to say where someone or something is located, and to ask and say how people are doing.

La servilleta está en la mesa = The napkin is on the table.

Estoy bien, gracias. = I'm fine thanks.

You have used ser to identify people and things, to say where they are from to describe what someone or something is like and to give the day, date and time.

Ricardo es mi amigo. Es de México. Es alto y simpático.

Es lunes. Es el 17 de marzo. Son las once en punto.

Both ser and estar can be used to describe food and drinks. Use ser to describe what foods and drinks are normally like.

¿Cómo es el arroz con pollo? - Es riquísimo.

To say how something looks, tastes or feels at a particular moment, use estar.

 Cómo está tu sopa?  --Está fría.