In Spanish there are two verbs that would translate to the same verb, to be, in English. They are ser and estar. If you have not learned about ser click here to learn about that verb. Estar is generally used to talk about things that are more temporary, or the conditions of things. Here is a good acronym to help remember when to use estar.
Position → El libro está encima de la mesa. The book is on top of the table.
Location → Mi casa está en la Avenida Insurgentes. My house is on Insurgentes Ave.
Action → Yo estoy hablando. I am speaking.
Condition → La mujer está cansada y enferma. The woman is tired and sick.
Emotion → Mis amigos están muy felices. My friends are very happy.
The verb estar is an irregular verb in many tenses, so as you learn new tenses remember to look for the irregularities. This is how you conjugate estar in the present indicative tense.
| yo | estoy | nosotros |
estamos |
| tú | estás | vosotros |
estáis |
| él, ella, usted | está | ellos, ellas, ustedes |
están |
by 