esté
/es-TEH/
be
This image visualizes the desired state of being 'well' or 'good,' often the subject of a wish or doubt when using the subjunctive form esté (e.g., 'I hope it is well').
esté(Verb)
be
?used after expressions of wish, doubt, emotion, etc.
is
?in hypothetical situations, e.g., 'I hope he is well'
,am
?in hypothetical situations, e.g., 'When I am ready...'
📝 In Action
Espero que usted esté bien.
A2I hope that you are well.
No creo que el restaurante esté abierto.
B1I don't think the restaurant is open.
Avísame cuando yo esté en la lista.
B1Let me know when I am on the list.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Maybe' Mood (Subjunctive)
'Esté' is a special form of 'estar' (to be) used for situations that are not certain facts. Think of it for wishes, doubts, emotions, or possibilities, like in 'I hope he is okay' or 'It's possible he is sick'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'está' instead of 'esté'
Mistake: "Espero que él está bien."
Correction: Espero que él esté bien. After phrases that express hope, doubt, or desire (like 'espero que'), you need to switch to this special 'subjunctive' form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Listen for Trigger Words
Words like 'espero que', 'quiero que', 'dudo que', and 'es posible que' are your signal that you'll probably need to use 'esté' (or another subjunctive verb) next.
Esté is used for formal commands like 'Be calm' (Esté tranquilo). This image illustrates the state of being calm and composed as a directive.
📝 In Action
Esté tranquilo, por favor.
A2Be calm, please.
No esté triste, todo va a mejorar.
A2Don't be sad, everything will get better.
Esté preparado para la reunión de mañana.
B1Be prepared for tomorrow's meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Commands ('Usted')
'Esté' is used to give a command to someone you would address as 'usted' (the formal 'you'). It's how you politely tell someone to be a certain way.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'está' for a command
Mistake: "Usted, ¡está quieto!"
Correction: Usted, ¡esté quieto! For commands, the verb form changes. 'Está' just states a fact ('He is quiet'), while 'esté' gives the order ('Be quiet').
⭐ Usage Tips
Politeness is Key
Use 'esté' when talking to an older person, a boss, a professor, or anyone in a formal situation. It shows respect. For a friend, you would use 'está' (tú command).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: esté
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'esté' to express a hope?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'esté', 'está', and 'este'?
Great question! The accent mark is key. 'Esté' (accent on the last 'e') is the verb form we're talking about here (for hopes and commands). 'Está' (accent on the 'a') is the regular present tense form, meaning 'he/she/it is'. 'Este' (no accent) is a completely different word meaning 'this'.
Why can 'esté' mean 'I am' and also 'he is'?
In the subjunctive mood (the one for hopes and doubts), the forms for 'yo' (I) and 'él/ella/usted' (he/she/you) are exactly the same: 'esté'. You can tell who is being talked about from the rest of the sentence. For example, 'Cuando yo esté listo' means 'When I am ready'.