1. Instruction: Permanent Attributes with Ser
Lesson 1: Permanent Attributes with Ser
Introduction
In Spanish, there are two verbs that mean “to be”: ser and estar. Generally, ser is used for permanent attributes, while estar is used for temporary attributes.
This lesson will focus on when to use ser to describe permanent attributes, such as physical characteristics, inherent qualities, and traits that last for more than a few days. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use ser to describe yourself and others with common adjectives.
1. Conjugating Ser (Present Tense)
Here’s how ser is conjugated in the present tense:
| Subject Pronoun | Conjugation of Ser | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Yo (I) | soy | Soy alto. (I am tall.) |
| Tú (You, informal) | eres | Tú eres amable. (You are kind.) |
| Él/Ella/Ud. (He/She/You, formal) | es | Ella es rápida. (She is fast.) |
| Nosotros/as (We) | somos | Nosotros somos fuertes. (We are strong.) |
| Vosotros/as (You all, Spain) | sois | Vosotros sois divertidos. (You all are fun.) |
| Ellos/Ellas/Uds. (They/You all) | son | Ellos son inteligentes. (They are intelligent.) |
Note: In everyday conversation, subject pronouns (yo, tú, él, etc.) are often omitted unless needed for emphasis or clarity.
2. Using Ser for Permanent Attributes
We use ser to describe attributes that do not change frequently, such as:
- Physical descriptions (tall, short, fast, slow)
- Personality traits (kind, intelligent, fun)
- Essential characteristics (nationality, profession)
Examples of Permanent Attributes
| English | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Plural (M/F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall | Alto | Alta | Altos / Altas |
| Short | Bajo | Baja | Bajos / Bajas |
| Fast | Rápido | Rápida | Rápidos / Rápidas |
| Slow | Lento | Lenta | Lentos / Lentas |
| Pretty | Bonito | Bonita | Bonitos / Bonitas |
| Ugly | Feo | Fea | Feos / Feas |
| Good | Bueno | Buena | Buenos / Buenas |
| Bad | Malo | Mala | Malos / Malas |
| Skinny | Delgado | Delgada | Delgados / Delgadas |
| Fat | Gordo | Gorda | Gordos / Gordas |
Note: In Spanish, adjectives must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun they describe.
3. Example Sentences
Here are sentences using ser with permanent attributes:
- Soy alto. (I am tall.)
- Juana, tú eres bajita. (Juana, you are short.)
- Él es lento. (He is slow.)
- Ella es rápida. (She is fast.)
- Sra. García, usted es bonita. (Mrs. García, you are pretty.)
- Nosotros somos feos. (We are ugly.)
- Ellas son buenas. (They (fem.) are good.)
- Ellos son malos. (They (m.) are bad.)
- Ustedes son delgadas. (You all (fem.) are skinny.)
- Soy gordo. (I am fat.)
Cultural Note: Calling someone “gordo/gorda” in Spanish-speaking cultures is often less offensive than in English, but it’s still best to use such words carefully.
4. Practice Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of ser and the appropriate adjective:
- Yo ______ (ser) ______ (tall).
- Juana, tú ______ (ser) ______ (short).
- Él ______ (ser) ______ (fast).
- Nosotros ______ (ser) ______ (strong).
- Ellos ______ (ser) ______ (smart).
Answers:
- Soy alto/alta.
- Eres bajito/bajita.
- Es rápido.
- Somos fuertes.
- Son inteligentes.
5. Summary & Next Steps
- Ser is used for permanent attributes (physical descriptions, personality traits, and essential characteristics).
- Adjectives must match the gender and number of the subject.
- The subject pronoun is often omitted in speech.
Now that you’ve learned how to use ser for permanent attributes, the next lesson will introduce estar for temporary attributes. Keep practicing to build confidence!