Ser
and Estar
Ser
and estar can both be translated as "to be."
In English, the verb "to be" can
be used to tell how something is (the condition) and what something
is (the essence).
How is the apple?
It is unripe.
What color is the apple?
It is green.
In Spanish, a different verb is used to
express "to be" depending on whether the speaker intends to address a
condition or an essential quality.
La manzana está verde.
The apple is green. (condition)
La manzana es verde.
The apple is green. (essence)
To address condition, use estar. Estar is
an irregular verb. It does not follow the standard rules of conjugation for
regular -ar verbs. Therefore, you must memorize it.
Estar = estoy / estás / está / estamos / estáis / están
To address an essential quality, use ser.
Ser is also irregular and must be memorized.
Ser = soy / eres / es / somos / sois / son
If you are talking about what
something is, use ser; if you are talking about how something is, use
estar.
What is she like?
She is quiet.
Use ser:
Ella es callada.
How is she acting?
She is being quiet.
Use estar:
Ella está callada.