Para trabajar. Estoy profesor de español.

That’s a complete lie by the way, I don’t know enough Spanish to tell the truth yet.

Keep mentioning “estar/soy” in Newbie series, some learners still don’t get it yet (me!).

Maxi, Xavi,

How’s it going? Good comments guys. Max, Xavi is right. In order to say “I am a teacher”, the verb “ser” needs to be used, but can you figure out why? By the way, how is the conjugation practice going?

Estamos hablando,
Joseph

Max,

That’s really funny! You know, it’s not easy to learn the distinctions between “ser” and “estar” if you’re native language is not a Romance language. It’s really common for foreign speakers to confuse these, and most native Spanish-speakers are understanding. But, on the other hand, it’s not impossible.

I know this is in a number of the lessons, but remember that “un ser humano” is a “human being” and that if I saw “estoy”, it’s like saying “I am here” or “I am present”.

Another way to think about the differences between these kinds of “being” is to use an adjective:

1) “él es aburrido” (he is boring)
2) “él está aburrido” (he is bored)

Notice how in 1), “ser” expresses something that is permanent about him. He is a boring person, wherever he goes, no matter what happens. In 2), “estar” expresses something temporary about him. He is not usually like this, but for some reason, he is bored.

Getting back to professions, it’s also important to remember that we don’t use articles before the name of the profession: “soy profesor”, “soy comerciante” (I’m a merchant); “eres estudiante” (you are a student); “él es médico” (he is a doctor), etc.

Hope this helps. Keep up the good work!

Joseph

Maxiewawa,

“Quién nunca se equivoca nada aprende” (He who makes no mistakes learns nothing) I can see you reasoning. Yeah, it’s tough. How about this: we say “soy profesor” because it’s what I am, but not what I’m doing. So, contrarily, we say “estoy eseñando” (I’m teaching) because it’s what I’m doing, but not what I am.

Also, the verb “ser” comes from “esse” in Latin and means “to be”; while “estar”, also comes from Latin “stare” but means “to stand”. Perhaps by seeing this divergence, the different usages in Spanish may grow clearer…? In any case, keep the questions coming! And, don’t worry, you’ll learn to distinguish the usages of both verbs. Another important thing to remember is that once you get used to using these verbs in different expressions, the meanings will become even clearer.

Think of some expressions of being in English and we can translate them to Spanish.

Talk to you soon!

Joseph

Muchas gracias por las lecciones!

¡Si! Estamos familia de 101. Gracias por todas las respuestas!