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

¡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.
¿Estás embarazada?Are you pregnant?
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