A1 · Unit 1 · Lesson 3
Estar: states and locations
The other “to be”. Where things are, how people feel, and the crucial contrast with ser.
“Estar” is the “to be” for the temporary — moods, conditions, and where something happens to be right now.
The shapes of estar
estou, está, estamos, estão — one form for each subject group. Use them for things that can change.
Conjugate it — estar
Present · reveal each person, then keep the cheat card.
Eu estou com sono.
I'm sleepy.
Ela está ocupada.
She is busy.
Eles estão atrasados.
They are late.
Where something is, right now
For current location, use estar with “em”, which merges with the article: em + o = no, em + a = na.
Estou no escritório.
I'm at the office.
As chaves estão na bolsa.
The keys are in the bag.
Estamos no carro.
We're in the car.
Ser vs estar in one breath
Ser describes what something simply is; estar describes the state it's in today. “Ela é nervosa” means a nervous type; “Ela está nervosa” means nervous right now.
Spot the pattern
Same adjective, different verb. “Ser” = a lasting trait, “estar” = how it is today. Predict which fits.
A sopa é boa.
The soup is good (always).
A sopa está quente.
The soup is hot (right now).
Ele é jovem, mas hoje está cansado.
He is young, but today he's tired.
Common mistakes
- — Feelings and conditions take estar: say “estou feliz”, not “sou feliz”, when it's about today.
- — “Em” must merge with the article: “no quarto”, “na cozinha” — never “em o” or “em a”.
- — For a building's permanent spot, Brazilians often prefer “fica”: “Onde fica a farmácia?”
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