estar
to be (state/condition/location)
Beginner Verb
🔊
Pronunciation
/esˈtaɾ/
💡
Cultural Note
Estar expresses temporary states, emotions, locations, and conditions. Compare 'Ella es guapa' (she is beautiful — inherent trait, uses ser) with 'Ella está guapa hoy' (she looks beautiful today — temporary state, uses estar). Some adjectives change meaning entirely depending on whether they follow ser or estar: 'ser listo' means 'to be clever,' while 'estar listo' means 'to be ready.'
📝 Example Sentences
Estoy cansado.
I am tired.
¿Dónde está el banco?
Where is the bank?
Estamos muy contentos hoy.
We are very happy today.