How it works
Spanish uses ser for identity, profession and origin, and estar for location or a condition. The distinction depends on meaning, not simply on permanence. Match each verb to its subject using the table. Spanish often omits a subject pronoun because the verb form identifies the person.
Soy estudiante. Estoy aquí. Estamos en casa.
| Subject | ser | estar |
|---|---|---|
| yo | soy | estoy |
| tú | eres | estás |
| él / ella / usted | es | está |
| nosotros / nosotras | somos | estamos |
| vosotros / vosotras | sois | estáis |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | son | están |
See it in a sentence
Soy estudiante.
I am a student.
Use “soy,” a form of ser, for what the speaker is: a student.
Yo estoy aquí.
I am here.
Use “estoy,” a form of estar, for the speaker’s location.
Put it into practice
Try it yourself
6 questions, with feedback after every answer. No account needed.
