"Ser" vs.

"Estar"
Uses of 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 Descriptions, Occupations, Characteristics, Time, Origin, and Relationships.

1. Descriptions

Descriptions are the essential qualities that define a person or thing and probably won’t
change anytime soon. These descriptions can be names, physical descriptions,
nationalities, and even religions.

Yo soy Raúl.
I am Raul.

Yo soy alta, morena, y delgada.

I am tall, dark-skinned, and thin.

Bob es inglés.
Bob is English.

Andrés es católico.
Andres is Catholic.

2. Occupations

An occupation is what someone does for a living or as a hobby. Basically, if you're

talking about how someone makes money or fills their time, you'll use ser.

Soy profesora de español.

I am a Spanish teacher.

Ellos son estudiantes.

They are students.

Mi padre era jardinero.

 My father was a gardener.

Juanita es bailarina.
Juanita is a dancer.

Notice that the indefinite articles un , una , unos , and unas are not used when talking
about occupations with ser.

3. Characteristics

Characteristics are personality descriptions of a person. This category is included to

hammer home the point that ser is used to talk about descriptions.

Amalia es inteligente, atrevida, y amable.

Amalia is intelligent, daring, and friendly.

Mi esposo es romántico y cariñoso.

My husband is romantic and caring.

4. Time

Time can refer to days, dates, years, and the time on the clock.

Hoy es miércoles.
Today is Wednesday.

Ayer fue mi cumpleaños.

Yesterday was my birthday.

Ahora es la una.
Right now it is one o’clock.

Son las cinco veinticinco.

It's five twenty-five.

5. Origin

The place a person or thing is from or the material something is made of can be
considered an origin.
 Celia es de España.
Celia is from Spain.

Este chocolate es de México.

This chocolate is from Mexico.

Las sillas son de madera.

The chairs are made of wood.

Mi anillo es de oro.
My ring is made of gold.

6. Relationships

Personal relationships, such as family ties, friendship, and romantic relationships, are
also talked about using ser.

Lynne es mi madre.
Lynne is my mother.

Marcos es mi exnovio.
Marcos is my ex-boyfriend.

Juana es mi jefe.
Juana is my boss.