What's the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'?

Question

I've been confused about this for months. Sometimes I say "I'm tired" and people tell me it's wrong, that it should be "I'm tired." When do I use one or the other? Is there a fixed rule or does it depend on the context?

Answer 1 · 2026-10-03T17:54:03.948207+03:00

"Ser" is for permanent qualities or identity (I'm an engineer, I'm tall, I'm Mexican), while "estar" is for temporary states or location (I'm tired, I'm at home, I'm sad). That's why "soy cansado" sounds weird - it implies that your nature is to be a tired person, when really it's a fleeting state.

What's the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'?

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