SUBJECT PRONOUNS + VERB “TO BE”

PRONOMBRES
PERSONALES Y
VERBO “TO BE”
PRONOMBRES PERSONALES
IMPORTANTE:
“Vos” is another equivalent of “You”
and it’s used in Argentina, Uruguay,
Paraguay, Costa Rica and some
regions in Latin America.

“Tú” is a more common option tham

“Vos”.

“Vosotros (as)” is only used in

Spain.

Note that there is an accent

on tú (you) and él (he) so that they
are not confused with tu (your)
and el (the).
“ SER/ESTAR”

Both words mean “to be” in

English. So, what’s the
difference between ser and
estar? Let’s find out.
¿EN QUÉ SE DIFERENCIAN?
The verb “SER” describes
permanent conditions or
conditions that last for a long
time.

On the other hand, the verb

“ESTAR” is used to describe
temporary conditions.
PRONOMBRES PERSONALES
¿CUÁNDO USARLOS?
(WHEN TO USE THEM?)

• In English we use subject pronouns all the time:

– I walk, you eat, they are going. 
• In Spanish you don’t need them if the verb endings
and context make it clear who the subject is.
Hablo español = I speak Spanish
The -o ending on the verb is only used with I.

Hablamos español = We speak Spanish

The -amos ending is only used with we.
CASOS ESPECIALES
(SPECIAL INSTANCES)

1. For emphasis

2. For contrast of clarity

3. After ser (meaning to be)
4. In comparisons after ”que” and ”como”

5. On their own without a verb

6. After certain prepositions

VERBO SER Y ESTAR
DIFERENTES SIGNIFICADOS CON SER
Y ESTAR
As you know, you can use ser and estar to make descriptions. Be careful with
the verb you use to make a description. The meaning of your description can
change depending on the verb you use:

• Tú eres bonita. (You are beautiful and I always think you are beautiful.)
• Tú estás bonita. (In this particular moment, I think you are beautiful).
TAREA
Learning the subject pronouns for next lesson.