estar
Lemma Details
Translation: to be; to stay; to be located
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Estar comes from Latin 'stare' meaning 'to stand, remain, stay'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'state', 'station', 'status', and 'stable'. The connection to 'standing' or 'remaining in a position' helps explain why estar is used for temporary states and locations rather than permanent characteristics (which use 'ser').
Commonality: 100%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'estar' for states that are temporary - both start with 'st'.
- PLACE and CONDITION use ESTAR (location and temporary conditions).
- Remember the acronym PLACE: Position, Location, Action, Condition, Emotion - all use estar.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Estar is one of the two main 'to be' verbs in Spanish (along with 'ser'). Understanding the distinction between these two verbs is fundamental to Spanish. 'Estar' is used for temporary conditions, locations, and ongoing actions (with gerund), while 'ser' is used for permanent characteristics, identities, and inherent qualities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both 'estar' and 'ser' translate to 'to be' in English, but they're used in different contexts. 'Estar' is used for temporary states, locations, and ongoing actions, while 'ser' is used for permanent characteristics, identities, and inherent qualities.
Notes: A classic example is with adjectives that change meaning: 'estar aburrido' (to be bored) vs 'ser aburrido' (to be boring); 'estar listo' (to be ready) vs 'ser listo' (to be clever).
Mnemonic: ESTAR is for how you feel and where you are; SER is for who you are and what you're like.
Explanation: Both are auxiliary verbs, but 'estar' is used with the present participle to form the present continuous (estoy comiendo - I am eating), while 'haber' is used with the past participle to form perfect tenses (he comido - I have eaten).
This word:
Estoy trabajando ahora.
I am working now.
Confused word:
He trabajado todo el día.
I have worked all day.
Notes: Estar + past participle indicates a resultant state (está roto - it is broken), while haber + past participle indicates a completed action (ha roto - he has broken).
Mnemonic: ESTAR + -ando/-iendo = action in progress; HABER + -ado/-ido = completed action