The verb ser in the present tense
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The verb ser in the present tense
Ser (to be) is an irregular verb:
Tú eres
Él/ella/usted es
Nosotros/as somos
Vosotros/as sois
Ellos/ellas/ustedes son
We use it to:
- Identify and describe someone (their nationality, profession, religion, etc.):
Yo soy Ana y él es Teo, somos españoles.
I am Ana, and he is Teo; we are Spanish.
- Express permanent characteristics or qualities:
La piscina del hotel es pequeña.
The hotel pool is small.
- Indicate where and when an event is taking place:
El funeral de Beatriz es mañana, en la piscina.
Beatriz’s funeral is tomorrow by the pool.
- Talk about dates and time:
Hoy es 11 de mayo, son las doce y media.
Today is May 11th; it is twelve thirty.
Note: Spanish uses 2 different verbs ser and estar which correspond to the English verb "to be". The verb estar is used to indicate location, moods, and physical states or positions.
Estoy en Costa Rica.
I am in Costa Rica.
Ellos están contentos.
They are happy.
Ella está acostada.
She is lying down
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