Overview
This lesson covers the Spanish verb "ser," one of two verbs meaning "to be" in Spanish, its present tense forms, and situations where it is used.
The Verb "To Be" in English and Spanish
- In English, "to be" changes form depending on the subject: am, is, are.
- Spanish uses two verbs for "to be": "ser" and another not covered in this lesson.
Present Tense Conjugation of "Ser"
- "Ser" must be conjugated to match the subject, just like in English.
- Yo soy — I am.
- Tú eres — You are (informal).
- Él/Ella/Usted es — He is / She is / You (formal) are.
- Nosotros/Nosotras somos — We are.
- Vosotros/Vosotras sois — You all are (used in Spain).
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes son — They are / You all are.
Pronouns and Usage Notes
- Yo, tú, él/ella/usted, nosotros/as, vosotros/as, ellos/ellas/ustedes are subject pronouns in Spanish.
- Pronouns can often be omitted in Spanish because the verb ending indicates the subject.
- "Usted" (formal you) uses the same verb form as "él" and "ella."
When to Use "Ser" (POPIN)
- Use "ser" for Permanent Condition, Occupation, Place of Origin, Identification, and Nationality.
- Examples: "Yo soy profesor" (I am a teacher), "Ella es americana" (She is American).
- "Ser" generally describes identity and characteristics that do not change easily.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ser — One of the Spanish verbs for "to be," used for permanent or identifying situations.
- Conjugation — Changing a verb's form to match the subject.
- POPIN — Acronym for using "ser": Permanent condition, Occupation, Place of origin, Identification, Nationality.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice conjugating and using all forms of "ser."
- Memorize the POPIN acronym to know when to use "ser."
- Quiz yourself on forms: soy, eres, es, somos, sois, son.