estar
“estar” means “to be” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to be
📝 In Action
El libro está en la mesa.
A1The book is on the table.
¿Dónde estás?
A1Where are you?
Estamos en el centro de Madrid.
A1We are in the center of Madrid.
to be
Also: to feel, to look/seem
📝 In Action
Estoy muy cansado hoy.
A1I am very tired today.
La sopa está caliente.
A1The soup is hot.
Ella está enferma.
A1She is sick.
¡Estás muy elegante!
A2You look very elegant!
to be (-ing)
📝 In Action
Estoy comiendo una manzana.
A2I am eating an apple.
¿Qué estás haciendo?
A2What are you doing?
Los niños están jugando en el parque.
A2The children are playing in the park.
Estábamos durmiendo cuando sonó el teléfono.
B1We were sleeping when the phone rang.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: estar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly says 'The apple is green' meaning it's not ripe yet?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'stāre', which means 'to stand'. You can see the connection in how 'estar' is used for position and location, like 'standing' somewhere.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the #1 rule for choosing between 'ser' and 'estar'?
The simplest rule is: 'Ser' is for what something *is* (its identity, origin, permanent traits), and 'estar' is for how something *is* (its location, condition, feelings). Think of 'ser' as more permanent and 'estar' as more temporary.
Why is the 'yo' form 'estoy'? It seems so different!
It is! 'Estoy' is completely irregular. It comes from how the Latin word 'stō' (I stand) evolved. Many of the most common verbs in Spanish ('ser', 'ir', 'estar') have irregular forms you just have to memorize, but you'll use them so often they'll become second nature.
Can I use 'estar' for the location of events, like a party?
This is a tricky one! While it seems logical, the rule is to use 'ser' for the location of events. For example, 'La fiesta es en mi casa' (The party is at my house) and 'El concierto es en el estadio' (The concert is at the stadium). Use 'estar' for the location of people and physical objects.