Common Mistakes

Mixing Up Ser and Estar: Real Examples

5 min readBy Adriely Góis

Olá! Vamos conversar. Even after you understand ser and estar, the wrong one will still slip out. These are the real-life slips beginners make most.

Identity slips

Estou americano is wrong. Sou americano is correct. Nationality is essential, not temporary.

Sou cansado sounds like a personality. Estou cansado is the right one for today's tiredness.

Location slips

O Brasil está na América do Sul is wrong. The country does not move. O Brasil fica na América do Sul. Use ficar for permanent locations.

Vocabulário · Take this with you

Estou com sede.I'm thirsty.
Toma água.Have water.

Let's practice together

VocêEstou com sede.I'm thirsty.

AdrielyToma água.Have water.

Adriely, sua professora brasileira. Te vejo na próxima aula.

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