⇒ While both ser and estar can translate to to be in English, they aren't interchangeable in Spanish.
⇒ If this general rule is too vague for you, think of the acronym DOT. Ser is used for:
⇒ In these notes we'll take a look at the D in DOT: Descriptions.
⇒ Ser is used for all permanent/long-term and personal descriptions. You can use ser to answer the question How would you describe ____?
⇒ In other words, ser is used with the essential qualities that define a person or thing and that are not likely to change in the near future.
⇒ These can be names, physical descriptions, occupations, personal relationships, and religion, among others.
| Soy Raúl.I am Raúl. |
| Son Adela y Amalia.They are Adela and Amalia. |
| Soy alta y delgada.I am tall and thin. |
| Silvia es pelirroja y baja.Silvia is red-headed and short. |
| Soy profesora de español.I am a Spanish teacher. |
| Son jardineros.They are gardeners. |
| Anita es mi hermana.Anita is my sister. |
| Aaron es su prometido.Aaron is her fiancé. |
| Juan es católico.Juan is Catholic. |
| Mis padres son budistas.My parents are Buddhists. |