Additional uses

While most Spanish learners begin by learning that “ser” describes permanent characteristics and “estar” describes temporary states, these versatile verbs serve many additional functions that can elevate your Spanish proficiency.

The Passive Voice with Ser

When you want to emphasize the action rather than who performed it, “ser” helps form the passive voice. This construction follows the pattern: ser + past participle.

  • El puente fue construido en 1887. (The bridge was built in 1887.)
  • Las decisiones fueron tomadas por el comité. (The decisions were made by the committee.)

Progressive Tenses with Estar

To describe ongoing actions, “estar” combines with gerunds (-ando/-iendo endings) to form progressive tenses:

  • Mi hermana está preparando la cena. (My sister is preparing dinner.)
  • Los niños estaban jugando en el parque. (The children were playing in the park.)

Location and Event Status

While “estar” typically indicates location, “ser” is used for events and scheduled occurrences:

  • La fiesta es en el jardín. (The party is in the garden.)
  • El concierto será a las ocho. (The concert will be at eight.)

Professional Relationships and Origins

“Ser” indicates professional relationships and origins of products:

  • María es mi jefa. (Maria is my boss.)
  • Este vino es de Francia. (This wine is from France.)

Results and Consequences

“Estar” expresses results or consequences of actions:

  • La puerta está cerrada con llave. (The door is locked.)
  • El documento está firmado. (The document is signed.)

Fixed Expressions

Both verbs appear in idiomatic expressions that you’ll need to memorize:

Ser:

  • Ser de fiar (to be trustworthy)
  • Ser capaz (to be capable)

Estar:

  • Estar de acuerdo (to agree)
  • Estar de moda (to be fashionable)

Time and Price

“Ser” is used with time and price in formal contexts:

  • Son las tres de la tarde. (It is three in the afternoon.)
  • El total es cincuenta euros. (The total is fifty euros.)

Understanding these additional uses of “ser” and “estar” will help you communicate more naturally and precisely in Spanish. Remember that while these rules provide a framework, Spanish is a living language, and native speakers often use these verbs intuitively based on context and regional preferences.

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