Ser vs Estar in Spanish: Using ser de (not estar) to indicate ownership

Take the fastest path to fluent Spanish

Learn how to express ownership in Spanish

One of the uses of ser (not estar) is to express ownership, who something belongs to. Have a look and listen to these examples:

Estas medallas eran de mi abuelo.These medals were my grandfather's.

No es tu problema. Es el problema de Andrés.It is not your problem. It is Andrés's problem.

La mansión será de nuestros hijos en el futuro.The mansion will be our children's in the future.

[Something] ser (conjugated)de + [someone]

See also Using preposition de in Spanish to express possession

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

Estas medallas eran de mi abuelo.These medals were my grandfather's.
La mansión será de nuestros hijos en el futuro.The mansion will be our children's in the future.
No es tu problema. Es el problema de Andrés.It is not your problem. It is Andrés's problem.
I'll be right with you...