Ser vs Estar in Spanish: Using ser in Spanish (not estar) to identify things

Ser vs estar in Spanish: identifying

When we want to identify objects or people saying what they are or who they belong to, we use the verb ser (not estar).

For example:

¿Esos son tus calcetines?Are those your socks?

Esta es la pulsera de Luisa.This is Luisa's bracelet.

Mi jefe es ese hombre alto con gafas.My boss is that tall man with glasses.

El postre de hoy es flan.Today's dessert is flan.

Marina es la persona responsable de este proyecto.Marina is the leader of this project.

 

See also:

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

¿Esos son tus calcetines?Are those your socks?
Mi jefe es ese hombre alto con gafas.My boss is that tall man with glasses.
El postre de hoy es flan.Today's dessert is flan.
Marina es la persona responsable de este proyecto.Marina is the leader of this project.
Esta es la pulsera de Luisa.This is Luisa's bracelet.
Clever stuff happening!