Feeling & Location (Estar)
Conjugate estar in the present tense. Use estar for states, emotions, and location.
A lesson of Spanish A1 — Beginner, in Being: Ser & Estar, about 10 minutes.
Estar: Location and Feelings
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to conjugate estar in the present tense and use it for location, emotions, and temporary states.
What Is Estar?
Estar is the second Spanish verb for "to be." While ser describes what things fundamentally ARE, estar describes how things are right now — their current state, location, or condition.
Conjugation of Estar (Present Tense)
| Pronoun | Estar | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| yo (I) | estoy | es-TOY |
| tú (you) | estás | es-TAHS |
| él/ella/usted | está | es-TAH |
| nosotros | estamos | es-TAH-mos |
| vosotros | estáis | es-TAYS |
| ellos/ellas/ustedes | están | es-TAHN |
Notice the accent marks: estás, está, estáis, están. The accent distinguishes these from other words.
When to Use Estar
Estar = states that can change. Use it for:
1. Location — WHERE something is
Estoy en casa. — I am at home. ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? El restaurante está en la calle Mayor. — The restaurant is on Main Street. Madrid está en España. — Madrid is in Spain.
2. Emotions and feelings — HOW you feel right now
Estoy feliz. — I am happy. (right now) Está triste. — She is sad. Estamos cansados. — We are tired. ¿Cómo estás? — How are you? (using estar because feelings change)
3. Temporary physical conditions
Estoy enfermo. — I am sick. (temporary) El café está caliente. — The coffee is hot. (its current temperature, not permanently) Estás muy guapo hoy. — You look very handsome today. (today = temporary)
4. Progressive tenses (ongoing actions)
Estoy estudiando. — I am studying. (happening right now) Están comiendo. — They are eating.