estar
verbCEFR A1High frequency
What does “estar” mean in English?
to be
to be (state/location)
Example sentences
¿Dónde estás?
Where are you?
Estoy cansado.
I'm tired.
Está lloviendo.
It's raining.
How to use it
Estar means 'to be' (state, location, ongoing action). Irregular: estoy, estás, está, estamos, estáis, están. Distinct from ser (essence).
Common mistake
Estar is for 'temporary' states and locations. The classic split: 'soy alegre' (I'm a happy person — trait); 'estoy alegre' (I'm happy — right now).
Forms of estar
- Present
- estoy, estás, está, estamos, estáis, están