What is the difference between “soy” and “estoy”?
soy vs estoy
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george-gmh
May 21, 2014
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Robert-C7
May 21, 2014
soy is a conjugation of the verb 'ser'. estoy is a conjugation of the verb 'estar'.
Both translate to "I am". However, soy is for describing traits that are more or less permanent and not likely to change too much. Estoy is for describing more fleeting traits like location, feelings.
Estoy borracho = I am drunk
Soy borracho = I am a drunk
Estoy aquí = I am here
Soy alto = I am tall
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Dan-H24
May 22, 2014
When to use ser and when to use estar is one of the first major differences between English and Spanish that the new learner must contend with.
"¿Cómo estas?, "Estoy bien," How are you? I am well, using the estar form.
"¿De dónde eres?, Soy de los Estados Unidos," Where are you from? I am from the United States, using the ser form.
For some reason it took me a long time to realize that "es" is the first person plural conjugation of ser, and means he/she/it is. My english brain always wanted to translate it simply as "is."
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Patrice-B
May 26, 2014
I continue to get tripped up with the differences between ser and estar. Estar is used for locations, but ser for the location of events.
¿Dónde está el baño? Where is the bathroom? (estar)
La fiesta es en casa de Joaquín. The party is at Joaquin's house. (ser) With this example it is understandable that we might see "es" translating to "is". :)
Also, I believe that when describing that you are single, married, divorced, or a widowed status you use ser. Soy soltera.
However, after someone has died you use estar. El Presidente Kennedy está muerto. President Kennedy is dead.