There are two different forms of the verb “to be” in Spanish: ser and estar. If you do accidentally choose the wrong one, chances are you'll still be understood. There are a few instances, however, where making the wrong choice can change the meaning of your statement — sometimes in a rather embarrassing way. It can mean the difference between saying someone is good — Carmen es buena — and saying someone has a “good body” — Carmen está buena. Ladies, if you're walking down the street and hear someone yelling, “¡Ay, mami, qué buena estás!” he doesn't mean you look like a nice person. He's using a piropo, which translates as “compliment” but may feel more like a catcall.

SER: to be

yo soy (soy)

tú eres (EH-rehs)

él, ella, usted es (ehs)

nosotros somos (SOH-mohs)

vosotros sois (soys)

ellos, ellas, ustedes son (sohn)

ESTAR: to be (located)

yo estoy (ehs-TOY)

tú estás (ehs-TAHS)

él, ella, usted está (ehs-TAH)

nosotros estamos (ehs-TAH-mohs)

vosotros estáis (ehs-TAHYS)

ellos, ellas, ustedes están (ehs-TAHN)

Choosing between ser and estar trips up a lot of people, but it doesn't have to be complicated if you know the basics. The verb ser is used to express the following:

• Nationality, origin, or a permanent characteristic:

Soy americana. I'm American.

Jennifer es de Inglaterra. Jennifer is from England.

Juan es bajo. Juan is short.

• A characteristic or condition that will probably be the same for a long period of time:

Ellos son abogados. They are lawyers.

• Date and time:

Mi cumpleaños es el veinte de agosto. My birthday is August 20th.

Son las dos. It's two o'clock.

The verb estar is used to express the following:

• Location:

Estoy aquí. I'm here.

El coche está en el garaje. The car is in the garage.

• A temporary condition:

Linda está cansada. Linda is tired.