Introduction
When it comes to learning Spanish, one of the most important things to understand is the difference between “estan” and “son.” These two verbs can be confusing for English speakers since both translate to “are” in English. However, they have different meanings and uses in Spanish.
What is “Estan”?
“Estan” is the third person plural form of the verb “estar,” which means “to be.” It is used to describe a temporary state or condition. For example, “Ellos estan cansados” translates to “They are tired.” In this case, “estan” describes their temporary state of being tired.
What is “Son”?
“Son” is the third person plural form of the verb “ser,” which also means “to be.” However, “ser” is used to describe a permanent state or characteristic. For example, “Ellos son altos” translates to “They are tall.” In this case, “son” describes their permanent characteristic of being tall.
Examples of “Estan” and “Son”
Let’s take a look at some more examples to better understand the difference between “estan” and “son.”
“Mis amigos estan en la playa” (My friends are at the beach) – This describes their temporary location.
“Mis amigos son de España” (My friends are from Spain) – This describes their permanent nationality.
“La casa está sucia” (The house is dirty) – This describes the house’s temporary state of being dirty.
“La casa es grande” (The house is big) – This describes the house’s permanent characteristic of being big.
When to Use “Estan” and “Son”
As mentioned, “estan” is used for temporary states or conditions while “son” is used for permanent characteristics. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, when describing the weather, “está” is used even though it is a temporary condition. “Hace frío y está lloviendo” translates to “It’s cold and it’s raining.”
Common Mistakes with “Estan” and “Son”
One common mistake English speakers make when learning Spanish is using “ser” instead of “estar” when describing location or position. For example, “El libro es en la mesa” translates to “The book is on the table.” However, “estar” should be used instead of “ser” since location is a temporary state. Another mistake is using “ser” instead of “estar” when describing emotions. For example, “Soy feliz” translates to “I am happy.” However, “estar” should be used instead of “ser” since emotions are temporary states.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “estan” and “son” is crucial for speaking Spanish correctly. Remember that “estan” is used for temporary states or conditions while “son” is used for permanent characteristics. Practice using these verbs correctly and you’ll be speaking Spanish like a pro in no time!
