Confused about when to use Ser and Estar in Portuguese?
In this short video you’ll learn which situations you should use Ser and which situations you should use Estar.
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You use ser when you are talking about something that is permanent. Your age, nationality, place of birth and any physical characteristics fall into this category.
Eu sou americano. I am American
Eu sou de Nova Iorque. I am from New York.
Eu sou alto. I am tall.
Estar is used for things that are more temporary. State of mind, location and anything else transitory.
Estou no camino. I am on my way.
Estou triste. I am sad
Onde você está? Where are you?
There are some cases where both ser and estar can be used. For example you say:
Eu sou bonito. I am a beautiful person
Estou bonito. I am beautiful today.
