sería
/seɾia/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "would be" is expressed using the conditional form of the verb "ser", with the default form being sería.
The phrase is used to describe hypothetical situations. In informal contexts, adding bueno to the end of estaría can be used to express that something is desirable.
Which one should you use?
The form of the verb changes based on whether the subject is singular or plural. Use sería for singular subjects and serían for plural subjects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes its ending to match the subject of the sentence. Use sería for the first person singular (yo), the third person singular (él/ella/usted) and the third person singular neuter (eso). Use serían for plural subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɾia/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word sería is a homonym for a noun meaning 'seriousness' or 'solemnity'.
- The conditional tense used in sería is often called the 'future of the past' because it describes an action that was future relative to a past point in time.
- While sería is the conditional form of 'to be', in some Latin American countries it is used as a polite way to ask for things, functioning similarly to 'I would like' or 'Could I have'.
Examples in context
- Esto sería un error.This would be a mistake.This sentence uses sería to describe a potential mistake.Tatoeba #1598406 by marcelostockle, translation #1598349 by Spamster
- ¡Eso sería muy bueno!That would be great!This sentence uses sería to express that something would be great.Tatoeba #1126188 by cueyayotl, translation #1125718 by Adelpa
- Eso sería muy triste.That would be very sad.This sentence uses sería to express that something would be very sad.Tatoeba #1488993 by marcelostockle, translation #1488256 by Spamster
- Sería un honor trabajar con usted.It would be an honor to work with you.
- ¿Cuánto sería el costo total?How much would the total cost be?
- El hotel estaría lleno durante el verano.The hotel would be full during the summer.
- Mi respuesta estaría a su disposición mañana.My response would be at your disposal tomorrow.
- ¡Sería genial ir a la playa mañana!It would be great to go to the beach tomorrow!
- Estaría bueno si pudieras venir a mi fiesta.It would be awesome if you could come to my party.
- Creo que podría ser la solución al problema.I think it could be the solution to the problem.
- ¡Ese concierto sería fuera de serie!That concert would be amazing!
- 246 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing a potential new job offer.
- María¿Te gusta el nuevo puesto?Do you like the new position?
- DanielSí, sería una gran oportunidad.Yes, it would be a great opportunity.
- MaríaEntonces, deberías aceptarlo.Then, you should accept it.
- DanielTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
