Ser vs Estar in Spanish: Using estar (not ser) when talking about physical condition of something, someone or a place

Estar for physical condition/result

One of the uses of estar (not ser) is to talk about the physical condition of something, someone or a place.  This specific use of estar  is used for non-permanent conditions; it's seen as a result. Have a look and listen to these examples:

¡Vaya! Mis gafas están rotas.Oops! My glasses are broken.

Sus pantalones estaban sucios.His trousers were dirty.

¡Qué sorpresa! La habitación de mi hija está ordenada.What a surprise! My daughter's room is tidy.

Marina, estás muy guapa hoy.Marina, you look very pretty today.

Remember, this specific use of estar  is used for non-permanent conditions. For permanent physical descriptions see Ser vs Estar in Spanish: Using ser in Spanish (not estar) to express an essential or permanent characteristic

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Examples and resources

¿Estás embarazada?Are you pregnant?
¡Vaya! Mis gafas están rotas.Oops! My glasses are broken.
Sus pantalones estaban sucios.His trousers were dirty.
¡Qué sorpresa! La habitación de mi hija está ordenada.What a surprise! My daughter's room is tidy.
Marina, estás muy guapa hoy.Marina, you look very pretty today.
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