Inklingo
A simple storybook illustration of two friends holding hands and gazing up at a single, large, bright star in the night sky, symbolizing a shared hope or desired state.

estemos

es-TEH-mos

verbB1irregular ar
that we are?expressing desire or doubt (subjunctive),let's be?making a suggestion or command (imperative)
Also:we might be?expressing possibility or uncertainty

Quick Reference

infinitiveestar
gerundestando
past Participleestado

📝 In Action

Espero que estemos listos antes de las ocho.

B1

I hope that we are ready before eight.

Estemos unidos en estos momentos difíciles.

B2

Let's be united during these difficult times.

No creo que estemos en el lugar correcto.

B1

I don't think that we are in the right place.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • seamos (that we are (permanent state))
  • vayamos (let's go)

Common Collocations

  • Es necesario que estemos...It is necessary that we be/are...
  • Me alegra que estemos...I'm happy that we are...

💡 Grammar Points

Subjunctive Mood

This form is used when the main part of the sentence expresses desire, doubt, emotion, or uncertainty about the temporary state or location of 'we'.

The 'Let's' Command

When used alone or at the start of a sentence, 'Estemos' means 'Let's be,' used to suggest an action or state for the group.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Subjunctive vs. Indicative

Mistake: "Using 'estamos' instead of 'estemos' after expressions of doubt (e.g., 'No creo que estamos...')."

Correction: Use 'estemos' because doubt triggers the special verb form: 'No creo que estemos listos' (I don't believe we are ready).

Estar vs. Ser

Mistake: "Using 'seamos' (from ser) when talking about location or temporary conditions."

Correction: Remember that 'estar' (estemos) is always for location or how things are right now: 'Necesito que estemos aquí' (I need us to be here).

⭐ Usage Tips

Recognizing the Subjunctive Trigger

Look for phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...), 'Me gusta que...' (I like that...), or 'No es cierto que...' (It's not true that...). These almost always require 'estemos'.

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedestá
yoestoy
estás
ellos/ellas/ustedesestán
nosotrosestamos
vosotrosestáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedestaba
yoestaba
estabas
ellos/ellas/ustedesestaban
nosotrosestábamos
vosotrosestabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedestuvo
yoestuve
estuviste
ellos/ellas/ustedesestuvieron
nosotrosestuvimos
vosotrosestuvisteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedesté
yoesté
estés
ellos/ellas/ustedesestén
nosotrosestemos
vosotrosestéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedestuviera/estuviese
yoestuviera/estuviese
estuvieras/estuvieses
ellos/ellas/ustedesestuvieran/estuviesen
nosotrosestuviéramos/estuviésemos
vosotrosestuvierais/estuvieseis

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: estemos

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'estemos' to express a suggestion?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'estemos' only used for the subjunctive?

No. While 'estemos' is the 'we' form of the Present Subjunctive (used for wishes and emotions), it is also the official 'we' form for the Imperative (the 'let's' command, like 'Let's be quiet').

How do I know whether to use 'estemos' or 'seamos'?

Use 'estemos' when talking about location, health, mood, or temporary conditions (how someone is right now). Use 'seamos' (from *ser*) when talking about permanent identities, professions, nationalities, or inherent qualities.