Choosing between ser, estar, and tener
The verbs ser, estar, and tener are most frequently used when one describes a person. The lists below indicates some expressions commonly used with each verb.
The verb ser
- alto or alta
- guapo or guapa
- inteligente
- hombre or mujer
- joven
- delgado or delgada
- simpático
The verb estar
- bien
- alegre
- triste
- de mal humor
- aquí
- de Chicago
- sentado
- de pie
- muerto
- fuerte
The verb tener
- el pelo largo
- los ojos azules
- hambre
- sed
- 30 años
Uses of the verb "ser"
Please note that ser is used with nouns and adjectives. The verb estar is used with adjectives and adverbs. Tener is used with nouns. Usually, if you need to choose between ser and estar, use ser with a noun and use estar with a past participle.
Category: General Spanish