To be verb in Spanish

To be "ser and estar"

• In Spanish, there are two verbs that can be translated as "to be" these two verbs are "ser" and "estar"

"Ser"

• Ser is used to talk about permanent or lasting attributes. If this general rule is too vague for you, think of the acronym DOCTOR, which stands for:
• See next slide

Descriptions

• These descriptions can be names, physical descriptions, nationalities, and even religions
• Examples:
• I am Raul----Yo soy Raul
• He is tall------El es alto
• Bob is English---Bob es inglés

Occupations

• How someone makes money or fills their time.
• Examples:
• I am a Spanish teacher
• Yo soy profesora de español
• They are students.
• Ellos/Ellas son estudiantes.

Characteristics

• Characteristics are personality descriptions of a person.
• Examples:
• My husband is romantic and caring.
• Mi esposo es romántico y cariñoso.

Time

• Time can refer to days, dates, years, and the time on the clock.
• Examples:
• Today is Tuesday
• Hoy es martes.
• It is one ó clock
• Es la una en punto

Origin

• The place a person or thing is from or the material something is made of can be considered an origin.
• Examples:
• Celia is from Spain
• Celia es de España
• The chairs are made of wood
• Las sillas son de madera

Relationships

• Personal relationships, such as family ties, friendship, and romantic relationships
• Examples:
• Laura is my mother.
• Laura es mi madre.
• Robert is my boss
• Roberto es mi jefe