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Certain verbs in Spanish have very similar meanings. However, you do need to make a distinction between them since they are used differently. You can refer back to the verb list as you note these differences.
1a. Ser and Estar
Both ser and estar mean to be. "Ser" is used to describe the essence of something/someone, while "estar" is used to describe the state of being of something/someone.
In other words, "ser" is used to describe things that are more permanent and "estar" is used to describe things that are more temporary (like location and temporary conditions). "Ser" has many more uses and you will see examples of them throughout the rest of this program.
In Course 2, you learned examples of descriptive adjectives. Now, you can look at some of those adjectives again to see whether they should be used with "ser" or "estar."
Examples of permanent characteristics (use "ser" with these adjectives):
| Adjective | English Translation | Adjective | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| grande | big | pequeño | small |
| bueno | good | malo | bad |
| alto | tall | bajo | short |
| delgado | thin | gordo | fat |
| joven | young | anciano | old (person) |
| nuevo | new | viejo | old (object) |
| dulce | sweet | agrio | sour |
| caro | expensive | barato | inexpensive |
Examples of temporary characteristics (use "estar" with these adjectives):
| Adjective | English Translation | Adjective | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| sano | healthy | enfermo | sick |
| mejor | better | peor | worse |
| fuerte | strong | débil | weak |
| relajado | relaxed | preocupado | worried |
1b. Saber and Conocer
Saber and conocer both mean to know. Use "conocer" when stating that you know (are familiar with) a person or place. Use "saber" when speaking of factual or procedural knowledge.
| Example Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Ella sabe tomar la medicina. | She knows how to take the medicine. |
| Ella conoce a Juan. | She knows Juan. |
1c. Llenar and Surtir
Llenar and surtir both mean to to fill. However, "llenar" means "to fill out" as in a form, while "surtir" means "to fill" as in a prescription.
| Example Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| María llena la forma. | María fills out the form. |
| Yo surto la receta. | I fill the prescription. |
1d. Volver, Devolver, and Regresar
Volver, devolver, and regresar all mean to return. Use "volver" or "regresar" when speaking of a person returning to a location. Use "devolver" to speak of an object that is being returned for a refund.
| Example Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Yo vuelvo a casa. | I return home. |
| Pepe devuelve la receta a la farmacia. | Pepe returns the prescription to the pharmacy. |
1e. Preguntar and Pedir
Preguntar and pedir both mean versions of to ask. "Preguntar" is used when asking a question, and "pedir" is used when asking for something, such as a favor or an object.
| Example Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Yo pregunto a la paciente que tipo de seguro médico tiene. | I ask the patient what type of medical insurance she has. |
| La paciente pide otro medicamento. | The patient asks for another medication. |
Source: This content has been adapted from "Spanish for Nurses" by Stephanie Langston.
