4.2.7
'Ser' or 'Estar' (1/2)
'Ser' or 'Estar'
'Ser' or 'Estar'
Using the wrong verb can change the meaning of a phrase. You have to be careful when selecting which verb to use.


Estar abierto
Estar abierto
- The phrase ‘to be open’ in Spanish is 'estar abierto/a' when you talk about things.
- La puerta está abierta.
- The door is open.


Ser abierto
Ser abierto
- With 'ser', the word 'open' talks about a person’s character.
- Chris es abierto.
- Chris is an open person.


Estar listo
Estar listo
- If you want to say that you are ready, you need to use ‘estar’.
- Estoy listo.
- I am ready.


Ser listo
Ser listo
- If you want to say that you are clever, you need to use ‘ser’.
- Soy listo.
- I am clever.
1You, Family & Home
1.1Introducing Yourself & Being Polite
1.2Looks & Personality
1.3My Family & I
1.4Days, Months & Time
2School & Jobs
3Free Time
4Grammar
4.2Important Irregular Verbs
4.3Regular Verbs in the Present Tense
4.4Verbs in the Immediate Future
4.5Negatives
4.6Nouns
4.7Adjectives
4.8Prepositions
4.9Questions
4.10Conjunctions
Jump to other topics
1You, Family & Home
1.1Introducing Yourself & Being Polite
1.2Looks & Personality
1.3My Family & I
1.4Days, Months & Time
2School & Jobs
3Free Time
4Grammar
4.2Important Irregular Verbs
4.3Regular Verbs in the Present Tense
4.4Verbs in the Immediate Future
4.5Negatives
4.6Nouns
4.7Adjectives
4.8Prepositions
4.9Questions
4.10Conjunctions
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