--- title: How Can I Teach My Child the Difference Between Ser and Estar? description: "Trying to learn the difference between ser and estar? Learn the common and specific use cases to help your child learn the verb \"To be\"" image: https://tylerscottwellington.com/hubfs/15370794325_9b139e0c86_o.jpg --- [![TSW Consulting](https://tylerscottwellington.com/hs-fs/hubfs/THC%20Favicon-2.png?width=50&height=50&name=THC%20Favicon-2.png "TSW Consulting")](http://www.tylerswellington.com) # Best Tutoring Blog for Spanish Tutoring ## [How Can I Teach My Child the Difference Between Ser and Estar?](https://tylerscottwellington.com/best-tutoring-blog-for-spanish-tutoring/how-can-i-teach-my-child-the-difference-between-ser-and-estar) [fa icon="calendar"] Mar 29, 2016 12:54:00 PM / by [Tyler Haire](https://tylerscottwellington.com/best-tutoring-blog-for-spanish-tutoring/author/tyler-haire) ![Tyler Haire](https://tylerscottwellington.com/hs-fs/hubfs/photo_1.jpg?width=35&name=photo_1.jpg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) *![how can i teach my child the difference between ser and estar](https://tylerscottwellington.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How_can_I_teach_my_child_the_difference_between_ser_and_estar.jpg?width=711&name=How_can_I_teach_my_child_the_difference_between_ser_and_estar.jpg "how can i teach my child the difference between ser and estar")*     *Ser* and *estar* are the two most fundamental verbs to learning Spanish. They are also probably the trickiest. They both mean "To be", but they are used in different situations depending on a few factors. In order for any student to succeed in learning Spanish, they will need  a solid grasp on how to use these two verbs in the right context. Below, I've outlined some of the key points that you can use to teach your child the difference between *Ser *and *Estar.* ********** # How Can I Teach My Child the Difference Between *Ser* and *Estar*? The best place to start is understanding how the verbs are typically used: ### How is *Ser *typically used? The general rule is that *Ser* is used to describe permanent or long lasting characteristics and attributes:  1. **Origin** - Tyler *es* de New Hampshire./Tyler is from New Hampshire. 2. **Characteristic** - Tyler *es *alto.*/ *Tyler is tall. 3. **Description** - Tyler *es* guapo./Tyler is handsome. 4. **Occupation** - Tyler *es* un tutor./Tyler is a tutor. 5. **Time** - *Son* las dos de la tarde./It is  two o'clock in the afternoon. 6. **Relationship** - Tyler *es *mi nuevo tutor*. /* Tyler is my new tutor. An easy way to remember the correct usage of *Ser* is with the acronym "DOCTOR." ### How is *Estar *typically used? In contrast to *Ser, *use *Estar* to describe temporary qualities like current states or locations: 1. **Position** - Yo *estoy *sentado./ I am seated. 2. **Location** - *Estamos* en Brookline ahora./ We are in Brookline now. 3. **Action** - *Estoy* revistando mis notas./ I am reviewing my notes. 4. **Condition** - *Estoy* enfermo. / I am sick. 5. ****Emotion****  - *Estoy* emocionado por aprender español./ I am excited to learn Spanish.  The acronym to help remember this is "PLACE."   ### The *Tener* Idom Exceptions Parents, beware! Sometimes instead of using *Ser* or *Estar, *Tener* (to have)* is actually the correct verb. Here are some examples of idoms that use *Tener* instead: 1. Tener (mucha) sed - To be thirsty 2. Tener (mucha) hambre - To be hungry 3. Tener catarro - To have the flu 4. Tener un resfrío - To have a cold 5. Tener (mucho) frío - To be cold 6. Tener (mucho) calor - To be hot 7. Tener (mucha) suerte - To be lucky 8. Tener (mucha) prisa - To be in a hurry 9. Tener (mucho) miedo - To be afraid 10. Tener (mucho) sueño - To be tired  Unfortunately, there aren't any acronyms to help learn these *tener *exceptions — only practice. But after a while of speaking and writing these forms, they will become more natural. If you'd like to find more resources on these verbs, take a look at [these resources available in Brookline](https://tylerscottwellington.com/best-tutoring-blog-for-spanish-tutoring/how-to-get-extra-help-with-spanish-homework-in-brookline).   Do you need help teaching your kids Spanish? Maybe it's time to get a tutor! 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