es
/es/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for "is" is es.
es is a form of the verb ser, which is typically used to describe permanent characteristics or essential qualities, such as identity, profession or origin.
Which one should you use?
While es is used for permanent or essential traits, you should not use it to describe location or temporary states. For those situations, you must use the verb estar (for example, está) instead.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, the verb estar is sometimes replaced with andar in colloquial speech to convey the idea of being, though es remains a standard form of ser.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the first-person singular, the verb becomes soy (I am). When referring to "they" or "you all," the plural form is son (are).
How do you pronounce it?
/es/
Did you know?
- If you use es to describe a person's location, such as 'La fiesta es en mi casa', you are actually using the verb to mean 'takes place' rather than 'is located'.
- In certain dialects, the phrasing es que is used as a filler or a way to soften an excuse, similar to saying 'the thing is' in English.
- The Spanish word es is a direct cognate of the English word 'is', as both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁ésti.
Examples in context
- Él es la ley.He is the law.This sentence shows how to use es to identify someone's role or status.Tatoeba #1133075 by cueyayotl, translation #1133021 by bluepie88
- Él es mi tío.He is my uncle.This sentence demonstrates using es to identify a relationship.Tatoeba #1249591 by Shishir, translation #297898 by CK
- No es un pez.This is not a fish.This sentence shows how to use es in a negative statement.Tatoeba #1513877 by marcelostockle, translation #2615370 by CC
- Él es un médico.He is a doctor.
- Ella es una abogada.She is a lawyer.
- El libro es interesante.The book is interesting.
- La reunión está en la sala de conferencias.The meeting is in the conference room.
- La comida está deliciosa.The food is delicious.
- Él es mi amigo.He is my friend.
- Ella es muy simpática.She is very nice.
- Este lugar es bonito.This place is beautiful.
- El perro está en el jardín.The dog is in the garden.
- 16737 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about a new student.
- María¿Quién es el chico nuevo?Who is the new boy?
- AlejandroÉl es un estudiante de intercambio.He is an exchange student.
- María¿De dónde es él?Where is he from?
- AlejandroÉl es de Canadá.He is from Canada.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
