Ser Conjugation Chart: Complete Guide to "To Be"

"Ser" (to be) is one of the two "to be" verbs in Spanish—and it's irregular. But it's essential for identity, characteristics, and permanent states. Here's your complete conjugation guide.

Present Tense (Presente)

Preterite (Pretérito)

Imperfect (Imperfecto)

When to Use Ser (vs. Estar)

Use Ser for:

• Identity: "Soy médico" (I am a doctor)
• Characteristics: "Es alto" (He is tall)
• Origin: "Soy de España" (I'm from Spain)
• Time: "Es las tres" (It's three o'clock)
• Possession: "Es mío" (It's mine)

Use Estar for:

• Location: "Estoy en casa" (I'm at home)
• Temporary states: "Estoy cansado" (I'm tired)
• Ongoing actions: "Estoy estudiando" (I'm studying)

Essential Expressions with Ser

• ser + adjective — permanent characteristics (Soy alto)
• ser + profession — identity (Soy médico)
• ser de — origin (Soy de México)
• ser las + time — telling time (Son las tres)
• ser para — purpose (Es para ti)

Practice Plan (10 Minutes)

1. Conjugate ser in present tense (all persons).
2. Use ser with 5 different professions.
3. Practice ser vs estar with 5 examples.

Example: "Soy estudiante. Ayer fui al cine. Era feliz cuando era niño."

Common Mistakes

• Using estar for identity: "Estoy médico" → Say "Soy médico"
• Using ser for location: "Soy en casa" → Say "Estoy en casa"
• Mixing tenses: Preterite (fui) = completed; Imperfect (era) = ongoing past

Master Ser Naturally

The best way to master "ser" isn't memorizing charts—it's using it in real conversations. Practice daily, get instant corrections, and watch these forms become automatic. Try Parlai and use "ser" in context while chatting about who you are, what you do, and where you're from.