(loro) sono vs stanno

Ciao,

what is the difference between loro sono and loro stanno if both means they are? When should I use sono and vice versa? any examples?

Grazie

Hi Rachelyeo,

You'll use loro sono for places (they are here - loro sono qui), for states of being (they are tired/happy/sad - loro sono stanchi/felici/tristi) and as auxiliary verb for past participles that require essere (they have disappeared - loro sono scomparsi).

Generally, you'll use loro stanno in the present continuous tense (they are singing - loro stanno cantando) and for describing how they are (they are fine/not fine/so and so - stanno bene, non stanno bene, stanno così così).

Hope this helps!

Lucia