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The adjectives "ser" and "estar"

They are words that have a different meaning depending on whether they are used with ser or estar.

Gramática: Los adjetivos "ser" y "estar"

B1 Spanish Adjectives changing meaning verbs ser and estar

Level: B1

Module 5: Vida adulta (Adult life)

Lesson 37: Grandes cambios vitales (Big life changes)

Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Audio and video

  1. The verbs "ser" and "estar" mean "to be" in Spanish, but they are used very differently.
  2. The verb "ser" indicates a permanent characteristic, while the verb "estar" indicates a temporary characteristic.

 

VerboEjemplo
Ser + adjetivo     

Ser rico -> alguien que tiene dinero  (To be rich -> someone who has money)

Hernán es rico por su herencia.  (Hernán is wealthy because of his inheritance.)

Estar + adjetivo  

Estar rico -> que tiene buen sabor (To taste good)

Este plato está rico. (This dish is tasty.)

 

Exercise 1: The adjectives "ser" and "estar"

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

estar, Estar, Está, es, Es

1.
... motivado para demostrar lo que ha aprendido.
(He is motivated to demonstrate what he has learned.)
2.
... seguro de intentar algo que lo motive más.
(He is sure about trying something that motivates him more.)
3.
La confianza ... fundamental para el éxito
(Trust is fundamental for success)
4.
... evidente que la confianza es clave para avanzar.
(It is evident that trust is key to progress.)
5.
Intentar algo nuevo puede ser difícil al principio, pero ... motivado ayuda.
(Trying something new can be difficult at first, but being motivated helps.)
6.
... dispuesto a soltar el pasado es importante para mejorar.
(Being willing to let go of the past is important for improvement.)
7.
... listo para soltar sus miedos y avanzar.
(He is ready to let go of his fears and move forward.)
8.
... más simple cuando confiamos en nosotros mismos.
(It's simpler when we trust ourselves.)

Exercise 2: Translate and use in a sentence

Instruction: Pick a word, translated and use the word in a sentence or dialogue.

1

Estar

Being

2

Está

He is

3

estar

being

4

Es

It is

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