The verb SER in the present tense

Spanish: El verbo SER en presente

Level: A1 Beginner

Category: verbs

Explanation

The verb "ser" is one of the most important verbs in Spanish. We use it to talk about identity, permanent characteristics, origin, profession, and to tell time. It is an irregular verb, so its forms do not follow the normal pattern and you must memorize them. The present-tense forms are: yo soy (I am), tú eres (you are), él/ella/usted es (he/she/you formal is/are), nosotros/nosotras somos (we are), vosotros/vosotras sois (you all are, Spain), ellos/ellas/ustedes son (they/you all are). For example: "Yo soy estudiante" (identity), "Ella es de Madrid" (origin), "Nosotros somos amigos" (relationship). In Spanish we usually drop the personal pronoun because the verb form already tells us who is doing the action. We say "Soy profesor" instead of "Yo soy profesor", although both are correct. We use the pronoun only for emphasis or to avoid confusion. It is very important not to confuse "ser" with "estar". We use "ser" for permanent or essential things (identity, origin, profession) and "estar" for temporary states and location. For example: "Soy alto" (a characteristic) but "Estoy cansado" (a temporary state).

Examples

• Yo soy estudiante de español. - I am a Spanish student.
• ¿Tú eres el camarero? - Are you the waiter?
• El café es muy bueno aquí. - The coffee is very good here.
• Nosotros somos turistas de Inglaterra. - We are tourists from England.
• ¿Vosotros sois los nuevos huéspedes? - Are you all the new guests?