Inklingo

How to Say "are" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “are” is “son” — use 'son' for the third-person plural (they are) or the informal second-person plural (you all are) when describing identity, origin, profession, or inherent characteristics.

son🔊A1

Use 'son' for the third-person plural (they are) or the informal second-person plural (you all are) when describing identity, origin, profession, or inherent characteristics.

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está🔊A1

Use 'está' for the third-person singular (he/she/it is) or the informal second-person singular (you are - tú) when describing location, temporary states, or ongoing actions (with -ing).

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estánA2

Use 'están' for the third-person plural (they are) or the informal second-person plural (you all are - vosotros/ustedes) when describing location, temporary states, or ongoing actions (with -ing).

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quedan🔊A2

Use 'quedan' primarily for the third-person plural (they are) when referring to the placement or location of things, often in a more formal or descriptive context.

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sean🔊A2

Use 'sean' in the subjunctive mood for the third-person plural (they are) or informal second-person plural (you all are), typically following expressions of hope, desire, or necessity.

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táA1

Use 'tá' informally as a shortened form of 'está' when addressing someone directly with 'tú' (you are), often indicating agreement or a casual state.

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English → Spanish

son

sonson

VerbA1General
Use 'son' for the third-person plural (they are) or the informal second-person plural (you all are) when describing identity, origin, profession, or inherent characteristics.
A group of diverse people, including a doctor, an artist, and a teacher, smiling together to represent their professions and identities.

Examples

Ellos son mis hermanos.

They are my brothers.

Las sillas son de madera.

The chairs are made of wood.

Ustedes son de México, ¿verdad?

You all are from Mexico, right?

From the Verb 'Ser'

'Son' is a form of the verb 'ser', which means 'to be'. You use 'son' when talking about 'they' or 'you all' (formal or plural).

When to Use 'Ser' (and 'son')

Use 'ser' for things that are generally permanent or part of an identity. Think of the acronym DOCTOR: Descriptions, Occupations, Characteristics, Time, Origin, and Relationships.

Using 'son' for Location

Mistake: “Mis amigos son en el parque.”

Correction: Mis amigos están en el parque. For telling *where* something is located, always use a form of the verb 'estar', not 'ser'.

está

VerbA1General
Use 'está' for the third-person singular (he/she/it is) or the informal second-person singular (you are - tú) when describing location, temporary states, or ongoing actions (with -ing).

Examples

El baño está a la derecha.

The bathroom is on the right.

están

VerbA2General
Use 'están' for the third-person plural (they are) or the informal second-person plural (you all are - vosotros/ustedes) when describing location, temporary states, or ongoing actions (with -ing).

Examples

Los libros están en la mesa.

The books are on the table.

quedan

KAY-dahnˈkeðan

VerbA2General
Use 'quedan' primarily for the third-person plural (they are) when referring to the placement or location of things, often in a more formal or descriptive context.
A red toy house situated right next to a large oak tree, illustrating a physical location.

Examples

Los monumentos más antiguos quedan en el centro histórico.

The oldest monuments are located in the historic center.

¿Dónde quedan los baños?

Where are the restrooms located?

Quedan a solo dos cuadras de aquí.

They are situated just two blocks from here.

Location without Change

Use 'quedan' (or 'queda') to talk about a fixed location, like where a building or city is. It's often interchangeable with 'están' for these static locations.

sean

seh-ahnˈse.an

VerbA2General
Use 'sean' in the subjunctive mood for the third-person plural (they are) or informal second-person plural (you all are), typically following expressions of hope, desire, or necessity.
Three diverse children standing together, smiling joyfully, illuminated by a large, bright, floating golden star, symbolizing a wish or hope.

Examples

Espero que sean felices en su nueva casa.

I hope they are happy in their new house.

No creo que los resultados sean tan malos.

I don't think the results are that bad.

Para mí, es importante que ustedes sean honestos.

For me, it's important that you all are honest.

The 'Maybe' Verb Form (Subjunctive)

In Spanish, when you talk about things that aren't definite facts—like wishes, doubts, emotions, or possibilities—you often need a special verb form. 'Sean' is this special form for 'they' and 'you all'.

Trigger Words

Look for phrases like 'espero que' (I hope that), 'no creo que' (I don't think that), and 'es importante que' (it's important that). These are strong clues that you'll need to use 'sean' instead of 'son'.

Using 'Son' Instead of 'Sean'

Mistake: “Espero que son felices.”

Correction: Espero que sean felices. After a 'trigger' phrase like 'espero que', the verb changes to show it's a wish, not a fact.

tá

VerbA1Informal
Use 'tá' informally as a shortened form of 'está' when addressing someone directly with 'tú' (you are), often indicating agreement or a casual state.

Examples

¡Tá bien, no te preocupes!

It's fine, don't worry!

Son vs. Está/Están: Permanent vs. Temporary

The most common mistake is confusing 'son' with 'está/están'. Remember 'son' (from ser) is for permanent characteristics or identity, while 'está/están' (from estar) is for temporary states, locations, or ongoing actions.

Related Translations

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