Posts Tagged ‘estar’

Grammar Tips: Common Idioms with ‘estar’

Grammar Tips: Common Idioms with ‘estar’

The Spanish verb estar has many idiomatic expressions associated with it. Idioms are phrases or sentences that do not translate directly from one language to another. A common example in English is ‘ it’s raining cats and dogs.’ Idioms developed over time in languages and sometimes the origin of them is known and other times it is unknown. They are a colourful part of any language and should be learned along with regular vocabulary and grammar to become a fluent speaker. Here are some of the more common idioms with estar:

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Grammar Tips: Ser vs. Estar

Grammar Tips: Ser vs. Estar

Spanish is unique in that it has two verbs which mean ‘to be’. One must memorize which one to use for each situation. The verb ser describes the essence of something.  Although everything changes with time, ser is used to describe qualities that do not normally change overnight. The verb estar is mainly concerned with location and temporary states of being.  It also functions as an auxiliary verb in Spanish.

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