Ser vs Estar

Ser vs Estar

Start Lesson Memorama Alphabet Soup Whack-a-Word Hangman

Introduction

Introdução

Both ser and estar translate as to be in English, but are used in different contexts.

ser describes permanent conditions like names, nationalities, and other aspects of identity.

estar describes statuses like locations, moods, or other temporary conditions.

Both ser and estar have highly irregular conjugations.

Vocabulary

Vocabulário

estar
to be temporal
ser
to be essential

Phrases

Frases

Ele é estranho.
He is weird.

Related Videos

Vídeos Relacionados

What's the difference between "ser" and "estar" in Portuguese?
Prof Renato
What's the difference between "ser" and "estar" in Portuguese?
Ludmila B.

Related Lessons

Lições Relacionadas

-ar Verbs
Os Verbos de -ar
Days of the Week
Dias da Semana
Greetings
Cumprimentos
Talking About Languages
Falar de Idiomas
Describing People
Descrever Pessoas

Courses

Cursos

Beginner
Iniciante
Grammar
Gramática
Change language:
Francês Espanhol Inglês Italiano Alemão Português