a. es

b. está

1. Correct Answer: a. es (ser)

 Diego es una persona amable y inteligente. 

Diego is a kind and intelligent person. 

REASON: The Spanish verb ser is used to describe fixed characteristics of a person, place, or thing.

2.  Correct Answer: a. son (ser)

Son las diez y media de la mañana. 

It's ten thirty in the morning. 

REASON: Always use the verb ser when talking about time. Let's look at another example from Yabla's video library:

Hoy es viernes. Son las siete de la tarde

Today is Friday. It's seven in the evening

Caption 4, Los Reporteros - Crecen los robos en tiendas

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3. Correct Answer: b. está (estar)

Mi vecino está en Colombia ahora.

My neighbor is in Colombia now. 

REASON: When referring to something or someone's location, choose the verb estar. 

4. Correct Answer: a. es (ser)

Mi vecino es de Colombia. 

My neighbor is from Colombia. 

REASON: Although this example might initially seem similar to the previous one, the word de (from) in this one tips us off that it is referring to origin, which requires the verb ser. Let's see another example:

Eh... Soy argentino y español; mi madre es catalana.

Um... I'm Argentinean and Spanish; my mother is Catalonian.

Caption 3, World Travel Market en Londres - Raúl nos habla de México

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5. Correct Answer: b. estoy (estar)

Yo estoy hablando por teléfono en este momento. 

I'm talking on the phone right now. 

REASON: The key word to remember this use of the verb estar is action. In fact, the verb estar is an integral part of the Spanish present progressive tense, which consists of the verb estar plus the present participle form (equivalent to -ing verbs in English). This tense describes actions unfolding in the present moment, as in the following example:

"¿Qué estás pensando, Aminata?"

"What are you thinking about, Aminata?"

Caption 58, Aprendiendo con Carlos - El microrrelato

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6. Correct Answer: b. estamos (estar)

Nosotros estamos sentados en el auditorio. 

We're seated in the auditorium. 

REASON: Employ the verb estar to talk about position. 

7. Correct Answer: a. estoy (estar)

Yo estoy muy contenta porque mi amiga me viene a visitar. 

I'm very happy because my friend is coming to visit me. 

REASON: When talking about emotions, which tend to be fleeting, it's necessary to use the verb estar.

8. Correct Answer: a. sois (ser) 

Vosotros sois altos y flacos. 

You guys are tall and thin.

REASON: To provide descriptions, utilize the verb ser along with the pertinent adjectives. 

9. Correct Answer: b. están

Casi todos los alumnos están enfermos.

Almost all of the students are sick. 

REASON: When describing temporary conditions, such as illness, stress, business, etc., pick the veb estar.

10. Correct Answer: a. eres (ser)

Tú eres maestro de inglés.

You're an English teacher. 

REASON: Occupations should be spoken about with the verb ser. 

11. Correct Answer: a. son (ser)

Francisco y Eliana son primos.

Francisco and Eliana are cousins. 

REASON: The verb ser is the correct choice when describing relationships. 

12. Correct answer: b. estáis (estar)

¿Cómo estáis vosotros hoy?

How are you today?

REASON: Since how one "is" changes from moment to moment, this common question might evoke answers that include conditions or emotions. It thus employs the verb estar, as do its potential responses:

Yo estoy bien,

I'm well,

Caption 8, Cleer y Lida - Llegando a una nueva ciudad

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Estoy muy enfadada.

I am very angry.

Caption 31, El Aula Azul - Estados de ánimo

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That's all for this quiz on the Spanish verbs ser vs. estar. We hope you did well, and don't forget to write us with your questions and comments.

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