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[ARCHIVE] SER or ESTAR? That is the question

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EranBarLev
Israel

[ARCHIVE] SER or ESTAR? That is the question

Post by EranBarLev »

Original post by HelpfulDuo | Archived post

Choosing between the verbs ser or estar can be confusing for those learning Portuguese. Let's make it easier.

Both words mean to be and both are irregular verbs.

pronounserestar
eusouestou
vocêéestá
ele / elaéestá
nóssomosestamos
vocêssãoestão
eles / elassãoestão

The difference between ser and estar is in the way each is used. Typically, ser is used to describe more permanent states and to refer to time and dates.

use of serexampletranslation
time and dateSão seis horas.

É sexta-feira.
It's six o'clock.

It's Friday.
definitionsDuolingo é um aplicativo.Duolingo is an app.
opinions and
judgments
Esta explicação é importante.This explanation is important.
professionsO Pedro é piloto.Pedro is a pilot.
permanent
qualities or
descriptions
Eu sou alto.I am tall.
originNós somos do Canadá.We are from Canada.
possessionsEsse celular é meu.This cell phone is mine.
location
and time
of events
A festa é na minha casa.The party is at my house.
materialsA mesa é de madeira.The table is made of wood.
climateA região é fria e húmida.The region is cold and wet.

Estar is used to describe states that are transitory or temporary.

use of estarexampletranslation
locationLuis mora em Londres mas está em Madri hoje.Luis lives in London butis in Madrid today.
correctness or
incorrectness
Não, você está enganado.No, you're mistaken.
temporal situationsEssas roupas estão na moda.These clothes are fashion.
weatherEstá chovendo.It's raining.
moodsEstou triste.I'm sad.
the result of a processO jantar está servido.Dinner is served.

Sometimes we can use both ser and estar with certain adjectives, but the meaning of the adjectives will change. Here are some examples.

serestar
Ele é bonito.
He is good-looking.
Ele está bonito.
He looks good (right now).
Ela é mal-humorada.
She is a grumpy person.
Ela está mal-humorada.
She is in a bad mood.
Ela é decidida.
She is a decisive/determined person.
Ela está decidida.
She has made her decision.
Eles são chatos⁺⁺.
They are annoying.
Eles estão chatos⁺⁺.
They are being annoying.

⁺⁺Chato can also mean boring or picky.

Practice your Portuguese!

Tell us in the comments section how you are feeling at this moment. What are you like normally?

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