In Spanish, there are two words that mean "to be": "ser" and "estar." Each word is used in different situations.

Let’s focus on four important times to use "ser."

1. Identity: Use "ser" to say who someone is or what something is.

   • For example: Ella es profesora. (She is a teacher.)

2. Characteristics: Use "ser" for traits or qualities that are part of something.

   • For example: La casa es grande. (The house is big.)

3. Origin: Use "ser" to talk about where someone is from.

   • For example: Yo soy de Suecia. (I am from Sweden.)

4. Time and Date: Use "ser" to tell what time it is or what day it is.

   • For example: Hoy es lunes. (Today is Monday.)

Here’s how "ser" changes depending on who you’re talking about:

• Yo soy (I am)
• Tú eres (You are)
• Él/Ella/Usted es (He/She is/You are)
• Nosotros somos (We are)
• Vosotros sois (You all are)
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes son (They/You all are)

By learning when to use "ser" and how to change it, you'll become better at speaking Spanish!