The verb "ser" is one of the two Spanish verbs that mean "to be" (the other being "estar"). "Ser" is primarily used to describe permanent or inherent qualities, identity, origin, time, and more. Below is a detailed chart that outlines the various uses of "ser," along with example sentences and their English translations.
| Category | Explanation | Example Sentence in Spanish | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity/Profession | Used to define what someone is or their profession. | Yo soy profesor. | I am a teacher. |
| Origin/Nationality | Indicates where someone or something is from. | Soy de México. | I am from Mexico. |
| Physical Traits | Describes inherent physical characteristics. | Ella es alta. | She is tall. |
| Personality Traits | Describes inherent personality characteristics. | Él es amable. | He is kind. |
| Time/Date | Expresses time, dates, or events. | Hoy es lunes. | Today is Monday. |
| Possession | Shows ownership or belonging. | El libro es mío. | The book is mine. |
| Relationships | Describes relationships between people. | Ellos son hermanos. | They are siblings. |
| Material | Describes the material something is made of. | La mesa es de madera. | The table is made of wood. |
| Events | Describes the location or time of events. | La reunión es en la oficina. | The meeting is at the office. |
| Impersonal Expressions | Used in impersonal expressions to express generalizations or opinions. | Es importante estudiar. | It is important to study. |
| Price/Value | Describes the price or value of something. | El coche es caro. | The car is expensive. |
| Ownership | Indicates who something belongs to. | Ese libro es de Juan. | That book belongs to Juan. |