estamos
/es-TAH-mos/
Here, 'estamos' tells us *where* we are, like pointing to our location on a map.
estamos (Verb)
📝 In Action
Estamos en el parque.
A1We are in the park.
¿Dónde estamos? Creo que nos perdimos.
A2Where are we? I think we're lost.
Todos estamos aquí para celebrar tu cumpleaños.
B1We are all here to celebrate your birthday.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
💡 Grammar Points
Location, Location, Location!
In Spanish, you always use a form of 'estar' (like 'estamos') to talk about where someone or something is located. This is true even for places that don't move, like a building!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Somos' for Location
Mistake: "A common mix-up is saying 'Somos en la tienda.'"
Correction: Always use 'estar' for location: 'Estamos en la tienda.' Remember this rhyme: 'For how you feel and where you are, always use the verb estar.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Physical Places
You can also use 'estamos' for non-physical locations, like 'Estamos en problemas' (We are in trouble).
'Estamos' also describes how we are feeling right now, or a temporary condition like being tired or sick.
estamos (Verb)
📝 In Action
Estamos muy cansados después del viaje.
A1We are very tired after the trip.
Estamos listos para empezar.
A2We are ready to start.
Estamos de acuerdo con tu plan.
B1We agree with your plan. (Literally: We are in agreement...)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
💡 Grammar Points
Temporary vs. Permanent
Use 'estamos' for conditions that can change, like moods, feelings, or health. For more permanent traits, like personality or nationality, you would use 'somos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Somos' for Feelings
Mistake: "It's easy to translate directly from English and say 'Somos felices.'"
Correction: Happiness is a state you're in, so say 'Estamos felices.' Think of it as a temporary condition, even if you're happy often!
⭐ Usage Tips
Adjective Agreement
Remember that the word describing how you feel must match your group! If 'we' are all female, you'd say 'Estamos cansadas.' If it's a mixed group or all male, say 'Estamos cansados.'
Paired with a verb ending in '-ando' or '-iendo', 'estamos' shows an action that is happening *right now*.
estamos (Verb)
📝 In Action
Estamos comiendo pizza.
A1We are eating pizza.
No hagas ruido, estamos viendo una película.
A2Don't make noise, we are watching a movie.
Estamos aprendiendo a hablar español.
A2We are learning to speak Spanish.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
💡 Grammar Points
The Spanish '-ing'
To say 'we are doing' something, combine 'estamos' with another verb. If the verb ends in '-ar', change it to '-ando' (hablar -> hablando). If it ends in '-er' or '-ir', change it to '-iendo' (comer -> comiendo).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using it for General Habits
Mistake: "In English, you can say 'We're working in that office' to mean it's your job. A direct translation to 'Estamos trabajando en esa oficina' sounds like you're only doing it right now."
Correction: For general truths or habits, use the simple present: 'Trabajamos en esa oficina.' (We work in that office).
⭐ Usage Tips
Action in Progress
This form is perfect for when someone asks '¿Qué hacen?' (What are you guys doing?). You can answer with exactly what's happening at that moment: 'Estamos cocinando.'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estamos
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'estamos' to talk about a temporary feeling?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'estamos' and 'somos'?
Great question! Both mean 'we are', but they are used for different things. Use 'estamos' for temporary things: how you feel ('estamos cansados' - we are tired) and where you are ('estamos en casa' - we are at home). Use 'somos' (from the verb 'ser') for more permanent things, like your identity, job, or characteristics ('somos estudiantes' - we are students; 'somos altos' - we are tall).
Is 'estamos' always for 'we'?
Yes, always. 'Estamos' is the specific form of the verb 'estar' that is only used for 'nosotros' or 'nosotras' (we).
Can I leave out the 'nosotros' before 'estamos'?
Absolutely! In fact, it's more common to just say 'Estamos en el cine' instead of 'Nosotros estamos en el cine.' The ending '-amos' on the verb already tells the listener you mean 'we', so you don't need to say 'nosotros' unless you want to add emphasis.