Estar - to be

​Ser - To be

Conjugating Ser and Estar

Ser is used when talking about who you are or what you do.

A common acronym used to remember when to use ser is PLACE.

​When to use Ser

Examples of ser

Nosotros somos compañeros.

We are classmates.

Ellos son hermanos.

They are brothers.

Yo soy rubio.

I am blond.

Estar is used when talking about how you feel or where you are.

A common acronym used to remember when to use estar is DOCTOR.

​When to use Estar

Examples of estar

Yo estoy muy feliz.

I am very happy.

Ella está en la playa.

She is at the beach.

Ustedes están jugando.

You guys are playing.