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How to Say "we are" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estamos

/es-TAH-mos//esˈta.mos/

VerbA1General
Use 'estamos' when referring to your current location or a temporary state, feeling, or condition.
A diverse group of three friends looking together at a large city map, pointing to a spot marked with a bright pin, representing being in a specific location.

Examples

Estamos en la biblioteca estudiando.

We are in the library studying.

Estamos en el parque.

We are in the park.

¿Dónde estamos? Creo que nos perdimos.

Where are we? I think we're lost.

Todos estamos aquí para celebrar tu cumpleaños.

We are all here to celebrate your birthday.

Location, Location, Location!

In Spanish, you always use a form of 'estar' (like 'estamos') to talk about where someone or something is located. This is true even for places that don't move, like a building!

Temporary vs. Permanent

Use 'estamos' for conditions that can change, like moods, feelings, or health. For more permanent traits, like personality or nationality, you would use 'somos'.

Using 'Somos' for Location

Mistake: “A common mix-up is saying 'Somos en la tienda.'”

Correction: Always use 'estar' for location: 'Estamos en la tienda.' Remember this rhyme: 'For how you feel and where you are, always use the verb estar.'

Using 'Somos' for Feelings

Mistake: “It's easy to translate directly from English and say 'Somos felices.'”

Correction: Happiness is a state you're in, so say 'Estamos felices.' Think of it as a temporary condition, even if you're happy often!

somos

/SOH-mohs//ˈso.mos/

VerbA1General
Use 'somos' for identity, inherent characteristics, origin, profession, or when stating time.
A group of four diverse children standing together, linked arm-in-arm, smiling brightly to symbolize unity and shared identity.

Examples

Somos estudiantes de español.

We are Spanish students.

Nosotros somos estudiantes.

We are students.

Somos de México.

We are from Mexico.

Somos altos y amables.

We are tall and kind.

Who 'We' Are: Using 'Somos'

'Somos' comes from the verb 'ser' and is how you say 'we are'. You use it for things that are part of an identity, like your job, nationality, or personality.

Ser vs. Estar: The Big Question

'Somos' is for what you are (identity, characteristics). Use 'estamos' (from the verb 'estar') for how or where you are (feelings, location). For example: 'Somos amigos' (We are friends) vs. 'Estamos en casa' (We are at home).

Using 'Somos' for Location

Mistake: “A common mix-up is saying 'Somos en la biblioteca.'”

Correction: The correct way is 'Estamos en la biblioteca.' Remember, 'estar' is for location—think 'where we are right now'.

tenemos

/teh-NEH-mohs//teˈne.mos/

VerbA1General
Use 'tenemos' when expressing feelings or physical states like hunger, thirst, cold, or sleepiness, translating as 'we have' but meaning 'we are' in English.
A group of friends shivering together under a single blanket on a cold day, illustrating the expression 'tenemos frío' (we are cold).

Examples

Tenemos frío, vamos a encender la calefacción.

We are cold, let's turn on the heating.

Tenemos mucha sed después de correr.

We are very thirsty after running.

Son las 11 de la noche y tenemos sueño.

It's 11 at night and we are sleepy.

Tenemos miedo de las arañas.

We are afraid of spiders.

'Having' Feelings

In Spanish, many common feelings and physical states are things you 'have' ('tener'), not things you 'are' ('ser' or 'estar'). This is a key difference from English you'll need to remember.

Using 'Estamos' for Feelings

Mistake: “A common mistake for English speakers is saying 'Estamos hambre' or 'Somos fríos'.”

Correction: Always use 'tener' for these specific states. The correct phrases are 'Tenemos hambre' and 'Tenemos frío'.

Estar vs. Ser for 'We Are'

The most frequent confusion for learners is choosing between 'estamos' (estar) and 'somos' (ser). Remember: 'estamos' is for temporary states and locations, while 'somos' is for permanent characteristics and identity. If you're describing who you are or what you're like, use 'somos'; if you're describing where you are or how you're feeling right now, use 'estamos'.

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