ser + Adjective

Inherent or Classifying Qualities with Ser

Level 2

Ser can describe a classifying quality without implying that it is permanent.

How It Works

Use ser when saying who someone is or what something is: és la Júlia, és una escola. A profession or role used simply as a category often has no article: és professora, som estudiants.

An adjective with ser can present a characteristic used to describe or classify: el carrer és llarg, el llibre és interessant. Material also uses ser de: la porta és de fusta. These descriptions need not be literally permanent to use ser.

With some adjectives, choosing estar instead highlights a condition or interpretation in context. És nerviosa can describe a person's disposition, while està nerviosa describes nervousness on this occasion. Not every adjective has both readings, so do not force this contrast onto every word. Agreement remains the same whichever copular verb is appropriate.

Examples (3)

  1. El carrer és molt llarg.

    The street is very long.

  2. La taula és de fusta.

    The table is made of wood.

  3. Aquests llibres són interessants.

    These books are interesting.

How It Connects

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ser + AdjectiveLevel 2Inherent or Classifying Qualities with Ser

Learn This First

Understand classification with ser. Make the descriptive adjective agree.

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