Basic Portuguese
Ser vs Estar in Portuguese: Clear Examples for English Speakers
Olá! Vamos conversar. English collapses ser and estar into one word. Portuguese keeps them apart because they tell different kinds of truth.
Ser is what you are
Use ser for identity, nationality, profession, character, time and date. Eu sou americano. Ela é médica. Hoje é segunda. These do not change easily.
If the answer would not shift if you took a nap, ser is probably right.
Estar is how you are right now
Use estar for moods, locations, weather, temporary states. Estou cansado. Ela está no Rio. Está frio hoje. These can change before lunch.
Ser describes who you are. Estar describes where you are, today, in this moment.
Vocabulário · Take this with you
Let's practice together
VocêEu sou professor.I am a teacher.
VocêEstou em São Paulo essa semana.I'm in São Paulo this week.
AdrielyPerfeito, os dois bem usados.Perfect, both well used.
Adriely, sua professora brasileira. Te vejo na próxima aula.