'Ser' or 'Estar' (2/2)
Spanish: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 4.2.8
'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 orgulloso
- Being proud of someone is a temporary feeling, so we use ‘estar’.
- Mis padres están orgullosos de mí.
- My parents are proud of me.
Ser orgulloso
- But with ‘ser’, 'orgulloso' means arrogant or proud (negatively).
- Mis padres son orgullosos.
- My parents are arrogant/entitled.
Ser guapo
- To say that someone is good-looking, you would need to use 'ser'.
- Zach es guapo.
- Zach is handsome (a handsome man).
Estar guapo
- To say that someone looks handsome right now, use ‘estar’.
- This can be because of clothes, a haircut, or just today — it’s temporary.
- Zach está guapo.
- Zach looks handsome.
Test yourself on 'Ser' or 'Estar' (2/2)
Lucas isn't usually particularly handsome, but today he's had his hair cut and looks handsome.
How would you say this in Spanish?Your sister is very intelligent and funny. You admire your sister very much.
How would you say this in Spanish?How do you say 'She is proud of me' in Spanish?