The verb estar in the present tense
Understanding grammar is key to understanding a language.
Spanish grammar tips with Hotel Borbollón, online Spanish lessons.
The verb estar in the present tense
Estar (to be) is an irregular verb:
Tú estás
Él/ella/usted está
Nosotros/as estamos
Vosotros/as estáis
Ellos/ellas/ustedes están
We use it:
- To say where people, things, or places are located:
Estamos en Buenos Aires. El Hotel Borbollón está en el centro de Madrid.
We are in Buenos Aires. The Borbollón Hotel is in downtown Madrid.
- To describe physical states, positions, and moods:
Magda está triste por la muerte de Beatriz.
Magda is sad over Beatriz’s death.
Ellos están sentados.
They are seated.
- Always in front of bien (good, ok) or mal (bad, not ok):
—¿Cómo estás? —Estoy mal, tengo resaca.
-How are you? -I’m not ok. I’m hungover.
Note: Spanish uses 2 different verbs ser and estar which correspond to the English verb "to be". The verb ser is generally used to identify oneself or others, to describe things, and indicate when something is happening.
Soy Carolina.
I am Carolina.
La ciudad es grande.
The city is big.
La reunión es mañana.
The meeting is tomorrow.
Taking your learning further
Still facing difficulties with 'The verb estar in the present tense'? Improve your Spanish with Gymglish - try our Spanish lessons for free now and receive a free level assessment!
Do you know any tips to avoid making mistakes with 'The verb estar in the present tense'? Share it with us!
Improve your Spanish further and test Hotel Borbollón, online Spanish lessons.