How to Say "Is" in Spanish - How To Say Guide

/es/from spelling rules

The English phrase "is" can be translated into Spanish as es.

The word es is a form of the verb ser, which is used to describe permanent or inherent characteristics of a person or thing.

Which one should you use?

es is used for permanent or inherent qualities, whereas other forms like está are used to describe temporary states.

In parts of Spain and Latin America, you may hear the colloquial form tá used informally to mean "is".

While es is the singular form, the plural form used when referring to "they" or "you all" is son.

/es/

The verb ser (which produces es) is often used to describe the 'essence' of a person, which is why ser is also the Spanish noun for 'a being'.
The Spanish word es is a direct relative of the English word 'is'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁ésti.
When using es to describe a profession, such as ella es doctora, Spanish speakers omit the indefinite article 'a' that English speakers require.

Él es la ley.
He is the law.
This example shows how to use es to identify someone's role.
Tatoeba #1133075 by cueyayotl, translation #1133021 by bluepie88
Él es mi tío.
He is my uncle.
This example shows how to use es to identify a relationship.
Tatoeba #1249591 by Shishir, translation #297898 by CK
No es un pez.
This is not a fish.
This example shows how to use es in a negative sentence.
Tatoeba #1513877 by marcelostockle, translation #2615370 by CC
Él es ingeniero.
He is an engineer.
Ella es doctora.
She is a doctor.
La casa es grande.
The house is big.
Mi mamá está ocupada.
My mom is busy.
El libro está sobre la mesa.
The book is on the table.
Él es muy simpático.
He is very nice.
Ella es una excelente bailarina.
She is an excellent dancer.
¿Está Juan en casa?
Is Juan at home?
¿Cómo anda tu hermano?
How is your brother?
16737 more sentences on Tatoeba

María and Alejandro are looking at a new piece of furniture in their living room.

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.

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