Confusing Ser and Estar in the Conditional

This form, 'estarían,' is the conditional tense, which means 'would be.' It is used to talk about things that are hypothetical or uncertain: what someone 'would do' if something else happened.

The 'Would Be' Tense

'Estar' always describes temporary conditions, feelings, or location. So, 'estarían' means they would be *temporarily* happy, or they would be *located* somewhere. It never describes who they are permanently.

Location and State

You can use 'estarían' to guess about a past action. For example, '¿Dónde están? Estarían en la tienda' means 'Where are they? They must have been/might be at the store.'

Expressing Probability

Extremely common, used daily to express possibility or hypothetical situations.

Learn the meaning and proper use of the Spanish conditional verb form 'estarían' (they/you would be), focusing on hypothetical states, location, and the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'.

estarían

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations