Ser and Estar

What is the difference between ser and estar?

Generall speaking the difference is that ser is used when talking about a permanent or inherant characteristic and estar is used when talking about a temporary characteristic. An example often used is when describing the color of an apple, is it green because it is unripe or is it inherantly green because of its variety, say a Granny Smith. La manzana es verde. (Inherantly green use ser) La manzana esta verde. (Unripe temporary condition use estar) Not all examples are so obvious though. There are many sites and lists that are available on line that show when to use ser or estar. I hope this helps.

Thanks a lot! That has helped a ton.

De nada.

In lesson 1-4, shouldn't the proper comment after Mauricio takes the photo be "eres muy amable" as opposed to "es muy amable"?. Assuming he's talking to the subject of the photo.

Mauricio is saying "you are very kind" in the formal usted form (es) since he is talking to a stranger. "Eres" is the informal "you" which you would use with friends or family, or if in fact you are wanting to say "it is very kind", which is not the case in this instance.

Ahora entiedo, gracias