Spanish word

ser

Pronunciation

IPA/seɾ/

Meaning

  • verbbe

Example

Ella es mi profesora.

She is my teacher.

Illustration for ser (be)

More examples

Para ser honesto hace falta coraje.

To be honest requires courage.

Core concept

An identity card.

Common phrases

  • ser bueno en

    be good at

  • ser mayor

    be older

  • ser difícil

    be difficult

Similar words

estar: Indicates a temporary state, condition, or physical location.
parecer: Conveys that something appears to be a certain way based on appearance or impression.
llamarse: States a person's name or how someone is called.

Definition in Spanish

Se usa para afirmar identidad y propiedades duraderas, así como para señalar origen, hora y material.

Word origin

From Latin esse 'to be', Spanish ser descends through medieval irregular forms and keeps the copulative function of identifying persons, origin, material, and time.

Usage tips

  • When stating someone's profession or role, Spanish normally omits an indefinite article with ser (Ella es profesora) unless the noun is modified.

Other meanings

  • belong toverb
  • be made ofverb
  • take placeverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word