somos
/somos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "we are" is translated in Spanish as somos.
somos is used to express identity, origin or permanent characteristics.
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, there is a distinction between permanent and temporary states. Use somos for permanent characteristics, identity or origin, whereas estamos is used for temporary states or locations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject pronoun nosotros (we) is often omitted because the verb ending -mos already indicates the first-person plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/somos/
Did you know?
- When counting people in a room, Spanish speakers use somos instead of the verb 'to be' used for numbers. You would say somos cinco to mean 'there are five of us'.
- The word somos is a direct descendant of the Latin sumus, which has remained virtually unchanged in its core structure for millennia.
- In Latin American Spanish, somos is frequently used to describe a group's strength or unity in political slogans, often appearing without any other adjectives to imply 'we are the people'.
Examples in context
- En total somos once.We are eleven in all.This sentence is useful for stating the total number of people in a group using somos.Tatoeba #2132228 by Shishir, translation #263125 by CH
- Somos el trigo de Dios.We are God's wheat.This sentence shows how to use somos to describe a metaphorical identity.Tatoeba #635923 by Leono, translation #671717 by Scott
- Somos simios, no vacas.We are apes and not cows.This sentence illustrates using somos to define the nature or species of a group.Tatoeba #10544750 by Seael, translation #6713550 by Eccles17
- Somos un equipo comprometido con el éxito de nuestros clientes.We are a team committed to our clients' success.
- Nosotros somos los responsables de esta importante tarea.We are the ones responsible for this crucial task.
- Nosotros somos los mejores jugadores del equipo.We are the best players on the team.
- Nosotras somos las organizadoras del evento.We are the organizers of the event (all women).
- 210 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are introducing themselves to a new neighbor.
- JavierHola, somos Javier y María.Hello, we are Javier and María.
- MaríaMucho gusto, soy Ana.Nice to meet you, I am Ana.
- JavierNosotros somos tus nuevos vecinos.We are your new neighbors.
- María¡Bienvenidos al barrio!Welcome to the neighborhood!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries somos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
