Objetivos

Identify the correct conjugations of the verb ser (to be)

 El verbo ser

Sign reading: soy professora mis alumn@s no son números

aumento = increase; las aulas: classrooms

The verb ser means to be. Just as the be verb in English (I am, you are, he/she is…), the verb ser is very irregular in all tenses. Therefore, it is important that you memorize it! You need to change the verb depending on the subject  like the example below, this is an example of conjugating.

Examples of conjugating with singular subjects:

  • Play AudioYo soy: I am
  • Play Audio eres: You are
  • Play Audioél es / Play Audioella es / Play Audiousted es: He is / she is / you (formal) are

Examples of conjugating with plural subjects:

  • Play Audionosotros somos: We are
  • Play Audiovosotros sois*: You are
  • Play Audioellos son / Play Audioellas son / Play Audioustedes son: They are / They (feminine) are / You all are
ser (to be)
singular plural
Play Audioyo soy Play Audionosotros somos
Play Audiotú eres Play Audiovosotros sois*
Play Audioél es / Play Audioella es / Play Audiousted es Play Audioellos son / Play Audioellas son / Play Audioustedes son

* This form is only used in Spain. The Latin American equivalent is ustedes son

Photo of graffiti which reads: tu eres lo que ves

lo que = what/ that which; ver (tú ves)=to watch, see

Using ser

Up to this point, you have seen ser used in the following ways:

  • to identify someone/something
    • Play AudioYo soy Manuel.
    • Play AudioEs mi cuaderno.
  • to ask or say where someone is from
    • A: Play Audio¿De dónde son ustedes?
    • B: Play AudioNosotros somos de los Estados Unidos.
  • To ask and say your profession
    • A: Play Audio¿Eres profesor?
    • B: Play AudioNo, yo soy estudiante.

You may also have seen ser used to describe something or someone. We’ll cover this in the next unit!

  • Play AudioEl cuaderno es rojo.
  • Play AudioLa profesora es inteligente.

INtéNTALO (Try It)