Using 'Son' for Location

In Spanish, you always use the verb 'estar' to talk about where someone or something is. This is true for both temporary and permanent locations.

Estar for Location

A helpful rhyme for beginners is: 'How you feel and where you are, that is when you use estar.'

A Simple Rhyme

Extremely common. This is one of the first uses of 'estar' you'll learn and hear constantly.

Using 'Son' for Temporary Feelings

Use 'estar' to talk about how something is at a particular moment. This includes emotions, physical health, and other changeable states.

Estar for Conditions & Feelings

If you're describing a temporary state (how they are now), use 'estar'. If you're describing a permanent trait (what they are like), you'll use the other 'to be' verb, 'ser'.

Think 'State', Not 'Trait'

Extremely common. You'll use this constantly to talk about how people are feeling or the state of things.

Forgetting the '-ando/-iendo' Verb

To say something is happening right now, combine a form of 'estar' (like 'están') with another verb that ends in '-ando' or '-iendo'. This is the Spanish way of saying '-ing'.

Action in Progress

While 'Ellos comen pizza' means 'They eat pizza', 'Ellos están comiendo pizza' strongly implies they are doing it at this very moment. It's more immediate.

Emphasizing 'Right Now'

Very common, especially in conversation to describe what is happening at the moment.

Learn how to use 'están' in Spanish. Understand its meanings for location, temporary conditions, and actions in progress. Full conjugation charts, examples, and common mistakes.

están

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations