Conjugation and Uses of the Verb "Estar" (To Be)"

Explanation

   The verb estar is the equivalent of the verb to be. However, it is used in specific occasions when the verb ser (which also means to be) is not used. 
   To help you understand this confusing, but very high frequency verb, let's start with its conjugation and uses. 
   Pay attention to the abbreviations: inf. = informal (used with younger people, siblings and friends); for. =formal (used with adults and people of a higher rank); sing.= singular (one), f. = feminine; m. = masculine.
   Finally, the "vosotros" form is used in Spain, and rarely in Latin America. Don't worry, it is easy to understand since it basically means "you all".

Conjugation of "Estar (to be)"

Yo                              estoy
Tú                              estás
Él, Ella, Usted                está
Nosotros                      estamos
Vosotros                      estás
Ustedes, Ellos, Ellas        están
I                                           am
You (inf., sing.)                       are
He, she, You (for., sing.)           is/are
We                                       are
You-all (Spain)                        are
You (all), They  (m.), They (f.)  are

When do we use "Estar"?

   There are many acronyms that help us remember the uses of the verb estar. Let's take a look at P-L-A-C-E.

P (Position)             La comida está en la mesa (The food is  on the table).
L (Location)            María está en Guatemala (María is in Guatemala).
A (Action)               Yo estoy leyendo (I am reading)
C (Condition)           Estoy enfermo (I am sick)
E (Emotion)             La chica está triste (The girl is sad)
 
  Estar is generally used to describe something that is temporary. When in doubt, remember this: "How you feel and where you are, always use the verb ESTAR!"

Audio

First, do the activity on the right-hand side. Then, listen to this audio clip to check your answers. Finally, play it again and repeat after me to practice your pronunciation.

Grammar Practice