Uses of 'Ser'
Spanish: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 9.1.2
Uses of 'Ser'
Describing people
- Theo es alto.
- Theo is tall.
- Soy español.
- I am Spanish.
- Xavi es futbolista profesional.
- Xavi is a professional footballer.
Describing objects
- La mesa es grande.
- The table is big.
- La mesa es de madera.
- The table is made of wood.
Describing relationships
- Charlotte es mi novia.
- Charlotte is my girlfriend.
- Guillermo es mi hermano.
- William is my brother.
- Somos amigos.
- We are friends.
Ownership
- Estos calcetines son míos.
- These socks are mine.
- El cuadro es de Velázquez.
- This painting is by Velázquez.
Time of day
- ¿Qué hora es?
- What time is it?
- Es la una.
- It is one o'clock.
Day, month, date
- Hoy es viernes.
- Today, it is Friday.
- Es el 16 de junio.
- It is the 16th of June.
Uses of 'Ser'
The verb 'ser' has many different uses.
How much something costs
- 'Ser' is used for asking how much something costs.
- ¿Cuánto es?
- How much is it?
- For saying how much it is.
- Son cien libras.
- It is 100 pounds.
'Ser' with 'para'
- When used with 'para', 'ser' is used to show the destination of an object.
- You use the verb to highlight who the recipient is.
- Este regalo es para ti.
- This present is for you.
- With 'para', 'ser' is also used to show the use of an object.
- Estas tijeras son para cortar el pelo.
- These scissors are to cut hair (are hair scissors).
Where something is taking place
- 'Ser' is used to say when an event is taking place.
- El almuerzo es a las dos.
- Lunch is at 2 o'clock.
Followed by an adjective
- When 'ser' is followed by an adjective, it is used to show a subjective opinion.
- Es extraño que María no haya venido a clase.
- It is strange that María didn't come to class.
- Es evidente que has estudiado mucho.
- it is obvious that you have studied a lot.
Test yourself on Uses of 'Ser'
How do you say 'you (tu) are English' in Spanish?
Which phrases are written accurately?