Using estar (not ser) + de for a temporary job

Silvia Piriz
2020-03-12
Add to Notebook5 questions
When we want to talk about a temporary job we use the verb estar (not ser), followed by the preposition de.
Read and listen to these examples:

Yo estoy de recepcionista en un hotel.I am working as a receptionist in a hotel.

Mario estaba de camarero en un restaurante.Mario was working as a waiter in a restaurant.

Irene va a estar de secretaria en una oficina.Irene is going to work as a secretary in an office.

Nosotros estamos de mecánicos en un taller.We are working as mechanics in a garage.

To say what your "more permanent profession" is see Using ser (not estar) to say what you do for a living.

See also Conjugate estar in El Presente (present tense).

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 Braimap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

Irene va a estar de secretaria en una oficina.Irene is going to work as a secretary in an office.
Mario estaba de camarero en un restaurante.Mario was working as a waiter in a restaurant.
Nosotros estamos de mecánicos en un taller.We are working as mechanics in a garage.
Yo estoy de recepcionista en un hotel.I am working as a receptionist in a hotel.
Getting that for you now.