A cheerful cartoon bear wearing a clean shirt and holding a packed lunchbox, standing ready for an outing. A distinct, simple floating blue sphere hovers beside the bear's shoulder, visually symbolizing the confirmed state or condition.

estarlo

es-TAR-lo

Verb (Infinitive + Pronoun)B1irregular (infinitive form of 'estar') ar

to be it?referring to a previously mentioned state or condition,to be that way?referring to a general situation

Also:to be [in that state]?used after modal verbs like 'deber' or 'poder'

Quick Reference

infinitiveestar

gerundestando (forming 'estándolo')

past Participleestado

📝 In Action

Ella parece muy feliz. Yo también quiero estarlo.

She seems very happy. I want to be [that way] too.

No puedes estar enfermo, pero si lo estás, debes decírnoslo.

You can't be sick, but if you are (it), you must tell us.

¿Es difícil ser bilingüe? No creo que deba serlo, pero hay que esforzarse.

Is it difficult to be bilingual? I don't think it should be [difficult], but you have to try hard.

Word Connections

Synonyms

serlo (to be it (permanent/essential quality))

Common Collocations

deber estarlo – must be it/that way
poder estarlo – to be able to be it/that way

💡 Grammar Points

The Power of 'Lo'

The 'lo' here is a placeholder that replaces a whole idea, condition, or adjective that was just mentioned, like 'tired' or 'ready.' This prevents you from repeating the adjective.

Pronoun Placement Rule

When a verb is in the infinitive ('estar'), the pronoun ('lo') must be attached directly to the end, forming one word: 'estarlo'. The stress usually stays on the original verb syllable (es-TAR-lo).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting the Attachment

Mistake: "Using 'lo estar' instead of 'estarlo' when the verb is an infinitive."

Correction: Always attach the pronoun to the end of the infinitive: 'Quiero estarlo' (I want to be it), not 'Quiero lo estar'.

Confusing Ser and Estar

Mistake: "Using 'serlo' when referring to a temporary state or location."

Correction: Remember that 'estar' is for feelings, health, location, and temporary conditions. If the condition is temporary, use 'estarlo'.

⭐ Usage Tips

When to Use It

This combined form is most common when the verb 'estar' follows another conjugated verb (like 'querer', 'poder', 'deber') or a preposition ('para', 'a').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: estarlo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'estarlo' to replace the adjective 'preparados' (ready)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

estar(to be (temporary state)) - verb

lo(it (neuter pronoun)) - pronoun

estándolo(being it (gerund form)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it 'estarlo' and not 'lo estar'?

When a Spanish verb is in its basic, unconjugated form (the infinitive, like 'estar'), or in the 'ing' form (the gerund, like 'estando'), the small helper words (pronouns) must physically stick to the end of the verb, forming one word. If the verb were conjugated (like 'estoy'), the pronoun would go before it: 'lo estoy'.

What is the difference between 'estarlo' and 'serlo'?

They both mean 'to be it,' but they follow the rules of 'ser' and 'estar.' 'Estarlo' refers to being in a temporary condition, location, or state (e.g., being tired, being ready). 'Serlo' refers to being an essential, permanent quality or identity (e.g., being intelligent, being a professional).