Answers
Apr 26, 2013 - 01:45 PM
This can be a bit tricky, it is one of those gray areas you always hear about in Spanish. You learn that 'estar' can always be used for locations, and this is true, whether the location is permanent or impermanent.
However, the gray area is that 'ser' can also be used for some locations; it is just that its use is limited to locations that are more permanent. So, if you're talking about where a building is located, or where something has been for a very long time so that its location is almost an essential characteristic, it is possible to use 'ser'. 'Estar' is perfectly fine too and probably more common. If you're talking about where something happens to be at the moment, implying a temporary time period, then only 'estar' is acceptable (as you picked up on in example #3 above)
And then to add to all this, 'ser' must be used when talking about events, even though you would think that an event is temporary (ie 'estar'). So, ¿Dónde es el concierto? instead of ¿Dónde está el concierto? for asking about the location of a concert.
Hope this helps. It can be confusing at first, but with repetition and practice you will begin to pick it up naturally.
However, the gray area is that 'ser' can also be used for some locations; it is just that its use is limited to locations that are more permanent. So, if you're talking about where a building is located, or where something has been for a very long time so that its location is almost an essential characteristic, it is possible to use 'ser'. 'Estar' is perfectly fine too and probably more common. If you're talking about where something happens to be at the moment, implying a temporary time period, then only 'estar' is acceptable (as you picked up on in example #3 above)
And then to add to all this, 'ser' must be used when talking about events, even though you would think that an event is temporary (ie 'estar'). So, ¿Dónde es el concierto? instead of ¿Dónde está el concierto? for asking about the location of a concert.
Hope this helps. It can be confusing at first, but with repetition and practice you will begin to pick it up naturally.
Apr 27, 2013 - 10:09 AM
Jonathan H,
Would most individuals who know Spanish to be their primary language agree that the question should be "¿Dónde es el concierto?"? Or would some still use " ¿Dónde está el concierto?"? Is it only confusing from the perspective of the English speaking individual?
Thanks for posting this, as I logged on to post a similar question!
Would most individuals who know Spanish to be their primary language agree that the question should be "¿Dónde es el concierto?"? Or would some still use " ¿Dónde está el concierto?"? Is it only confusing from the perspective of the English speaking individual?
Thanks for posting this, as I logged on to post a similar question!
Apr 29, 2013 - 05:38 AM
This was confusing for us, too. My wife is from Spain, and teaches Spanish at a University, and there were a couple of spots that didn't seem very natural to her. To her, the bank IS (es) on the corner of ___ and ___ doesn't sound right. She said she'd always use ESTAR. However, events, yes, the concert IS (es) somewhere.
We all know, though, there are things in English we say every day which we know aren't correct, but they sound stilted if we use correct grammar sometimes.
I'm glad you got an answer so quickly. I still have't heard from a Spaniard about use of the verb "Cruzar" I asked about a month ago. I think I need a shirtless photo. LOL -- (okay, one of someone else, not me!!! )
We all know, though, there are things in English we say every day which we know aren't correct, but they sound stilted if we use correct grammar sometimes.
I'm glad you got an answer so quickly. I still have't heard from a Spaniard about use of the verb "Cruzar" I asked about a month ago. I think I need a shirtless photo. LOL -- (okay, one of someone else, not me!!! )
Apr 29, 2013 - 11:31 AM
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Apr 29, 2013 - 11:33 AM
dgrossman87 - the proper way for a native Spanish speaker would be ¿Dónde es el concierto? You're right, this is one of those cases where the distinction is only confusing to an English speaker.
There are some regional variations, so I've heard of people using 'estar' when talking about events, but it's definitely much less common than the use of 'ser'. Try to focus on learning it with 'ser' and you'll be in good shape!
There are some regional variations, so I've heard of people using 'estar' when talking about events, but it's definitely much less common than the use of 'ser'. Try to focus on learning it with 'ser' and you'll be in good shape!
Apr 29, 2013 - 07:33 PM
Thanks Jonathan, what about this:
I was working through Spanish (Latin America) 1, Session 9, and was listening to Sonia's lesson that comes before the workout. She was interpreting the conversation that the lesson is based on. She came to the statement, "Sí esa es mi maleta" and interpreted it as "Yes, that (or that one) is my suitcase". I'm confused as to how "esa" can mean "that" OR "that one". If I wanted to say "that one" wouldn't I add the word "una" and say "Sí, esa una es mi maleta"?
I was working through Spanish (Latin America) 1, Session 9, and was listening to Sonia's lesson that comes before the workout. She was interpreting the conversation that the lesson is based on. She came to the statement, "Sí esa es mi maleta" and interpreted it as "Yes, that (or that one) is my suitcase". I'm confused as to how "esa" can mean "that" OR "that one". If I wanted to say "that one" wouldn't I add the word "una" and say "Sí, esa una es mi maleta"?
Apr 30, 2013 - 03:08 PM
dgrossman87 - again, that's just one of those things in Spanish. Esa = that/that one, esta = this/this one. The same goes for the masculine este/ese.
Try to think about it this way. In English there isn't really a huge difference in meaning between "That is my suitcase" and "That one is my suitcase". The two sentences mean essentially the same thing. So, I actually think the Spanish way makes more sense in this case.
Bottom line, you don't need to add "una" when talking about this one/that one - in Spanish, it's already implied.
Try to think about it this way. In English there isn't really a huge difference in meaning between "That is my suitcase" and "That one is my suitcase". The two sentences mean essentially the same thing. So, I actually think the Spanish way makes more sense in this case.
Bottom line, you don't need to add "una" when talking about this one/that one - in Spanish, it's already implied.
May 12, 2013 - 11:58 PM
There is a difference between "Donde es la fiesta" ("Where does it take place") and "Donde esta la fiesta" (what is the location).
May 24, 2013 - 06:38 PM
Think of it like this. What are we saying is at the office? Is the MEETING at the office? The meeting that ALWAYS happens at the office or really wouldn't happen anywhere else? Or is a PERSON at the office? A person who could go anywhere he or she wants to go! Is the DESK at the office and it should always be in the office? Or is it a desk that you are moving from place to place and you forgot where it is today? That's the difference between es and esta.