ser
/ˈseɾ/masculine
The English phrase 'being' can be translated into Spanish as ser, criatura or ente when referring to a living creature.
Meaning: a living creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ser | /ˈseɾ/ | masculine |
| criatura | /kɾjaˈtuɾa/ | feminine |
| ente | /ˈente/ | masculine |
When used as a noun meaning 'a living creature', the word ser is used instead of its more common function as a verb. A common collocation is ser humano, which is the standard way to say 'human being'.
Which one should you use?
While ser refers to a living creature, ente is a more abstract or philosophical term for a 'being' or 'entity'. The word criatura is also used for 'creature' or 'being', but it often carries a connotation of something small, young or vulnerable, such as a child.
How do you pronounce it?
The word ser is pronounced /ˈseɾ/.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word ser actually contains a historical 'secret' from the Latin verb sedēre, which means 'to sit'.
- While ser humano is the standard for 'human being', using criatura to describe an adult might sound slightly patronising or overly affectionate.
- In Spanish, the phrase ser vivo is used to describe any 'living being', regardless of whether it is an animal, plant or fungus.
Examples in context
- Soy un ser humano.I am a human being.This sentence demonstrates the use of ser in the phrase 'human being'.Tatoeba #1264219 by Shishir, translation #2297306 by Hybrid
- Deja de ser metiche.Stop being nosey.Tatoeba #3277624 by marcelostockle, translation #3160056 by Hybrid
- Deja de ser estúpido.Stop being stupid.Tatoeba #9452840 by ignacio, translation #3419612 by Hybrid
- Soy una persona muy alegre.I am a very cheerful person.
- 369 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A science fiction enthusiast and a friend are discussing a movie.
- MaríaEse ser es muy extraño.That being is very strange.
- JavierSí, parece un ser de otro planeta.Yes, he looks like a being from another planet.
- María¿Es un ser pacífico?Is he a peaceful being?
- JavierNo estoy seguro de qué tipo de ser es.I am not sure what kind of being he is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “being” translations and entries ser, criatura, ente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries criatura, ente, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
