ser
third-person singular present of ser
to be (permanent or inherent qualities, identity, origin, time)
Definitions
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1
To identify or describe what something/someone is (identity, profession, nature)
“Mi hermana es médica y trabaja en un hospital grande.”
My sister is a doctor and works in a big hospital.
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2
To express origin or nationality
“El profesor nuevo es de México y habla muy bien.”
The new teacher is from Mexico and speaks very well.
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3
To indicate the time or date
“Hoy es lunes y la tienda no abre hasta las diez.”
Today is Monday and the store doesn't open until ten.
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4
To describe inherent or permanent characteristics (color, material, personality)
“La mesa del comedor es de madera y es muy resistente.”
The dining room table is made of wood and is very sturdy.
Conjugation
Present
| yo | soy |
| tú | eres |
| él/ella/usted | es |
| nosotros | somos |
| vosotros | sois |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | son |
Preterite (Past)
| yo | fui |
| tú | fuiste |
| él/ella/usted | fue |
| nosotros | fuimos |
| vosotros | fuisteis |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | fueron |
Future
| yo | seré |
| tú | serás |
| él/ella/usted | será |
| nosotros | seremos |
| vosotros | seréis |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | serán |
Present Perfect
| yo | he sido |
| tú | has sido |
| él/ella/usted | ha sido |
| nosotros | hemos sido |
| vosotros | habéis sido |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | han sido |
Spanish has two verbs meaning "to be": ser and estar. Use ser (and its form es) for permanent or stable qualities — identity, origin, profession, time, and material. Use estar for temporary states, feelings, and location. Mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes for English speakers, so it is well worth mastering the distinction early.