ser/estar + Adjective

Ser and Estar with Adjectival Readings

Level 5

Ser and estar can give the same adjective different readings; permanence alone is not a reliable rule.

How It Works

És nerviós describes a characteristic disposition, while està nerviós presents a current state. És llest can mean clever, while està llest can mean ready. These are established predicate meanings, not a universal translation of permanent versus temporary.

Some predicates conventionally use ser even when their content changes, and others use estar for a state that may last indefinitely. Regional choices also differ with certain adjectives. Learn the whole predicate rather than judging only the likely duration.

The adjective agrees with the subject in either construction. When a participle is involved, check whether ser forms an event passive or estar describes a result, which is a related but distinct contrast.

Examples (3)

  1. És nerviós, però avui està tranquil.

    He is a nervous person, but today he is calm.

  2. La Marta és llesta.

    Marta is clever.

  3. La Marta està llesta per sortir.

    Marta is ready to leave.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ser/estar + AdjectiveLevel 5Ser and Estar with Adjectival Readings

Learn This First

Identify a state or result predicate before comparing ser and estar. Recognize a classifying ser predicate before comparing adjective readings.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern