What is the difference between ser and estar?
Ser and Estar
James-K1
January 28, 2011
sjlkh
January 28, 2011
Generall speaking the difference is that ser is used when talking about a permanent or inherant characteristic and estar is used when talking about a temporary characteristic.
An example often used is when describing the color of an apple, is it green because it is unripe or is it inherantly green because of its variety, say a Granny Smith.
La manzana es verde. (Inherantly green use ser)
La manzana esta verde. (Unripe temporary condition use estar)
Not all examples are so obvious though. There are many sites and lists that are available on line that show when to use ser or estar.
I hope this helps.
James-K1
January 29, 2011
Thanks a lot! That has helped a ton.
sjlkh
January 29, 2011
De nada.
Ron-H
February 6, 2011
In lesson 1-4, shouldn't the proper comment after Mauricio takes the photo be "eres muy amable" as opposed to "es muy amable"?. Assuming he's talking to the subject of the photo.
sjlkh
February 6, 2011
Mauricio is saying "you are very kind" in the formal usted form (es) since he is talking to a stranger.
"Eres" is the informal "you" which you would use with friends or family, or if in fact you are wanting to say "it is very kind", which is not the case in this instance.
Ron-H
February 7, 2011
Ahora entiedo, gracias
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