ser
/ˈseɾ/
The English verb 'be' is translated in Spanish as ser.
ser is used to declare that a subject and an object are identical or equivalent. It is the correct verb to express inherent qualities, permanent states and professions.
Meaning: used to declare the subject and object identical or equivalent (verb)
Which one should you use?
Spanish distinguishes between different types of 'being'. Use ser for permanent or essential characteristics. In contrast, use estar to describe temporary states, locations, emotions and conditions.
How does it change in a sentence?
ser is an irregular verb and must be conjugated to match the subject. In the present tense, the forms are soy, eres, es, somos, sois and son. The preterite forms, used to describe completed events or periods in the past, are fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis and fueron.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈseɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use ser to describe location. English speakers often make this mistake. You must use estar to say where someone or something is located.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, using ser to describe a person's character is so fundamental that changing to estar can imply the person is acting out of character or is pretending.
- While ser describes an inherent profession, a Spanish speaker might use estar to describe their job if they view it as a temporary phase or a lack of passion.
- The Spanish form sois for 'you all are' actually comes from a different Latin root, *sutis, rather than the standard 'esse' root used for other forms of ser.
Examples in context
- Va a ser así.It's going to be like that.This sentence shows how to use ser to describe a situation.Tatoeba #10067312 by manufrutos, translation #10067125 by shekitten
- Voy a ser tío.I'm going to be an uncle.This sentence shows how to use ser to describe a future role or relationship.Tatoeba #3010082 by marcelostockle, translation #2545411 by CK
- ¿Qué vas a ser?What are you going to be?This sentence shows how to use ser to ask about someone's future profession.Tatoeba #1225847 by wallebot, translation #16262 by AlanF_US
- Él es un buen estudiante.He is a good student.
- La tienda está cerrada.The store is closed.
- Me hallo en un estado de felicidad completa.I find myself in a state of complete happiness.
- Esa película es genial.That movie is awesome.
- Estoy agotado después del entrenamiento.I'm exhausted after the workout.
- Vosotros sois muy amables.You all are very kind.
- 3250 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing their professional goals.
- AlejandroQuiero ser doctora algún día.I want to be a doctor someday.
- SofíaEso va a ser muy difícil.That is going to be very difficult.
- AlejandroLo sé, pero voy a estudiar mucho.I know, but I am going to study a lot.
- SofíaTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “be” translations and entries ser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
