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How to Say "are" in Spanish

English → Spanish

son

/son//son/

VerbA1General
Use 'son' when referring to permanent characteristics, identity, origin, or occupation for plural subjects (they, you all).
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 location of plural subjects or when describing an ongoing action with a gerund (e.g., '-ing' verbs) for plural subjects.

Examples

El baño está a la derecha.

The bathroom is on the right.

quedan

KAY-dahn/ˈkeðan/

VerbA2Informal
Use 'quedan' informally when talking about the placement or location of things, similar to 'are located'.
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-ahn//ˈse.an/

VerbA2General
Use 'sean' in the subjunctive mood, often after expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity, to refer to plural subjects.
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.

Son vs. Está for Location

The most common confusion is between 'son' and 'está' when talking about location. Remember that 'está' is used for temporary states and location (even for plural nouns), while 'son' is for inherent qualities or identity.

Related Translations

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