estás
/es-TASS/
you are
Think of 'estás' like a pin on a map. It points to where you are located right now.
📝 In Action
¿Estás en la oficina?
A1Are you at the office?
Sé que estás aquí, puedo verte.
A1I know you are here, I can see you.
Si estás cerca, ven a saludar.
A2If you are nearby, come say hello.
💡 Grammar Points
Ser vs. Estar: The Location Rule
When you're talking about where a person or thing is, always use a form of 'estar'. For location, think 'estar'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'eres' for Location
Mistake: "Tú eres en la biblioteca."
Correction: Tú estás en la biblioteca. The verb 'ser' (like 'eres') tells you *what* something is, not *where* it is.
⭐ Usage Tips
You Can Drop the 'tú'
The ending '-ás' on 'estás' already tells Spanish speakers you mean 'tú'. So, you can just ask '¿Estás en casa?' and it sounds perfectly natural.
'Estás' also describes how you are feeling or doing right now. These feelings, like being tired or sad, can change.
📝 In Action
¿Cómo estás?
A1How are you?
Estás muy elegante hoy.
A2You look very elegant today.
No pareces feliz. ¿Estás bien?
A1You don't seem happy. Are you okay?
💡 Grammar Points
Ser vs. Estar: The Condition Rule
For feelings, moods, and other conditions that can change, use a form of 'estar'. If you feel it now, but might not feel it tomorrow, it's 'estar'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'eres' for Feelings
Mistake: "Tú eres triste."
Correction: Tú estás triste. Being sad is a temporary feeling ('estar'), not a permanent part of your personality ('ser').
⭐ Usage Tips
The Most Common Greeting
The question '¿Cómo estás?' (How are you?) is your key to starting conversations. It uses 'estar' because it asks about your current state.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estás
Question 1 of 3
Your friend is at the library. How would you ask them 'Are you at the library?'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there an accent on 'estás'?
The accent on the 'á' is super important! It tells you where to put the stress when you say the word: es-TÁS. Without it, the stress would fall on the 'es' (ES-tas), which is a different word ('estas' means 'these'). So, the little accent mark changes the whole meaning!
Can I use 'estás' when talking to my boss?
'Estás' is the informal 'you' form (for 'tú'). It's perfect for friends, family, and people your age. For a boss, a stranger, or someone older, it's more polite to use the formal version, 'está' (from 'usted está').
What's the difference between '¿Cómo estás?' and '¿Cómo eres?'
This is a classic question! '¿Cómo estás?' means 'How are you (right now)?' and asks about your mood or health. '¿Cómo eres?' means 'What are you like?' and asks about your personality traits that don't change day-to-day.