Español en serio
To be or not to be, Hamlet
Dieser Beitrag erklärt ein wichtiges Thema der spanischen Grammatik (Text auf Englisch).
Brief explanation
We have talked in other blogs about the use of the verbs “ser” and “estar”, and the problem of the explanation —very widespread— according to which these verbs are used for permanent or non-permanent situations, something that is completely false:
https://spanishforlondon.com/2026/04/21/ser-vs-estar-in-spanish-adjectives-that-change-meaning/
Let us see where these two verbs come from. Spanish is a Latin language. Together with French, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian, it forms part of the group of the main languages that developed from Latin, spoken by the ancient Romans. This means that the great majority of the words in our language are Latin, so understanding the connection explains a great deal about how the language works. The verb ser comes from two Latin verbs, esse and sedere, while the verb estar comes from stare. Why is it important to know this? Because in this way we will understand when to use one or the other.
🔵 Esse gave rise to ser, but also to essence in English, which is esencia in Spanish.
🔵 Stare gave rise to estar, but also to state in English, which is estado in Spanish.
| Verb | Etymology | Meaning |
| Ser | Esse | Essence |
| Estar | Stare | State |
This explanation allows us to understand the fundamental logic of the difference between these two verbs.
When I say: “Soy María”. “Soy española”. “Soy tu hermana”. “Soy estudiante”, I am referring to my identity, to characteristics that define me as a person: they are essential. But are they permanent? Sometimes yes and sometimes no.
🔵 Soy María: it is permanent
🔵 Soy estudiante: it is not permanent
This is what must be remembered:
If something is essential (permanent or non-permanent) we use ser.
If something is not essential (permanent or non-permanent) we use estar.
If you are learning Spanish and find explanations like this helpful, I offer personalised online Spanish lessons for students and adults worldwide, including GCSE and A-Level preparation.
Lessons are available in English or German, and I offer a free initial consultation. You can contact me at laura@spanishforlondon.com.
Example from the episode
→ “Soy Constance”, → “Soy amiga de Imran”, → “Soy la hija callada”, → “Soy la chica que lee demasiado”, → “Soy quien quiero ser… ¿o no?”
Read the full episode here →
Episode 25
Book your first free demo lesson, with no obligation on your behalf, at laura.@spanishforlondon.com.
Bachelor’s degree in Literature (University of Buenos Aires). Spanish and Literature teacher. Researcher and author of Los premios Nobel de literatura. Una lectura crítica (University of Seville). More than 30 years’ experience teaching Spanish to international students.
One-to-one lessons via Zoom.
Abschluss in Literaturwissenschaft (Universität Buenos Aires). Lehrerin für Spanisch und Literatur. Forscherin und Autorin des Buches Los premios Nobel de literatura. Eine lectura crítica (Universität Sevilla). Über 30 Jahre Erfahrung im Unterricht von Spanisch als Fremdsprache.
Einzelunterricht über Zoom.
