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

Silvia Piriz
2020-03-12
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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).

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Examples and resources

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