The verb ser (full conjugation) is used to indicate an attribute or an inherent quality that is not likely to change.

The verb estar (full conjugation) is used to indicate a condition which is likely to change.

Este río es muy ancho.
This river is very wide.

Hoy el agua del río está muy caliente.
Today the river's water is very warm.

Ser is often used to express the norm.

Estar expresses a departure from the norm.

José es una persona tranquila pero hoy está molesto.
Joe is a calm person but today he is upset.

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