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How to Say "let's be" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estemos

es-TEH-mosesˈtemos

verbB1general
Use 'estemos' when making a suggestion or giving a command about a temporary state or condition that applies to 'us' right now or in the near future.
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.

Examples

Espero que estemos listos antes de las ocho.

I hope that we are ready before eight.

Estemos unidos en estos momentos difíciles.

Let's be united during these difficult times.

No creo que estemos en el lugar correcto.

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

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.

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).

seamos

seh-AH-mosseˈamos

verbB1general
Use 'seamos' when making a suggestion or giving a command about a more permanent characteristic, identity, or quality that defines 'us'.
A simple storybook illustration showing two stylized figures standing close together, holding hands, and gazing toward a brightly lit, golden path receding into the distance, symbolizing a desired shared future.

Examples

Espero que seamos un buen equipo.

I hope that we are a good team.

Seamos honestos, esto es difícil.

Let's be honest, this is difficult.

No es necesario que seamos perfectos, solo que lo intentemos.

It's not necessary that we be perfect, only that we try.

The 'Let's' Command

When you want to suggest an action for 'us' (like 'Let's be...'), you use the nosotros form of the present subjunctive. 'Seamos' means 'Let's be' or 'We should be.'

Subjunctive Triggers

You use 'seamos' when the main part of the sentence expresses desire, emotion, doubt, or necessity (like 'Quiero que...' or 'Es importante que...'). It signals that the fact is not yet certain.

Confusing Ser and Estar

Mistake: “Using *estemos* when talking about permanent qualities or identities.”

Correction: Use *seamos* (from *ser*) for identity ('Seamos amigos' - Let's be friends) and *estemos* (from *estar*) for temporary states or locations ('Estemos aquí' - Let's be here).

Temporary State vs. Defining Characteristic

Learners often confuse 'estemos' and 'seamos' by using 'estemos' for inherent qualities or identities. Remember: 'estemos' is for how we *are* (temporarily), while 'seamos' is for who or what we *are* (as a defining trait).

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