How to Stop Translating in Your Head

If you want to master ser vs estar, there are a few important steps you need to take.

When you first learn about ser and estar you'll often find a long list of "rules". Often the "rules" come with a lot of exceptions.

But, the main problem is that if you spend too much time thinking about the rules or their exceptions, it will actually slow you down and make you less fluent.

In this video, you'll learn:
- How to avoid the "rules" trap
- How to improve your thinking with ser and estar
- How you can build your skills with ser and estar in a more effective way

[realfastspanish]

Have you been trying to learn ser vs estar using the "rules"? Did this video help you see things in a different light? Please share your thoughts below!

[mercenarytao]

This was the most helpful language video I have ever seen. When children learn a language, they learn it by imitating others and repeating what they say. They aren't constantly second guessing themselves mid-conversation and thinking "is this temporary or permanent" or about any other logical rules. They are instead learning when to use the correct word in each given situation, what sounds natural to native speakers, and they are the fastest learners of a new language. As adults, we need to stop overthinking and instead just start practicing.

[FrankKimono]

I learn whole sentences saying them aloud. 5 days - 300 repetitions per day at least. Later I don't need to translate. I know the meaning of words straight away like in my native language. And also I remember the meaning longer than by learning separate words. This method is called: chunking. It was a real game changer in my learning process and communication skills in English and other languages.

[Antoinemalone]

This was the most difficult, confusing yet helpful video I have ever seen. 😂😂

I was lost but I think I found myself. Learning Spanish is something else boy I tell you. Muy difícil!

[crazyconan]

Always motivating for me knowing that we're constant learners, no matter what skill or technique.

[markdonovan]

That's it in a nutshell! Rules are for breaking, it happens in English too. I find it easier to learn these by listening to how Spanish speakers use them, but even after over 20 years of speaking Spanish and over 10 years living in Madrid, I still make mistakes with ser and estar. Very rarely do I get corrected, and when I do they can't tell me why it should be that way. The stock answer is: pues, es así 😊

[axtrosz]

Native spanish speaker here, I easily spent 10-15 minutes trying to tell what you were trying to say in the "Estar is for places except..." part. I just failed to see where the confusion could be, guess it really shows how much you just "speak" your mother tongue and never think about it when compared to others. Good video.

[leonhopkins]

I have no clue where I would be with my Spanish if it wasn’t for you! Thanks so much!

[billybradford]

Early on in this video, you showed a woman holding her head trying to get a handle on Ser / Estoy. That was exactly my look this morning with my maestra. Es muy deficil! Gracias por la informacion!

[gtkvesr]

This was the most comprehensive video about the differences between ser and estar. Thank you so much!!

[pegross]

Thanks for this helpful explanation, Andrew. I find your short videos immensely helpful!

[floket]

After eight years learning Spanish I don’t try anymore to learn the difference of ser and estar. In Flemish we don’t have anything like that. When I’m wrong they can correct me. I don’t bother anymore.

[bradhenry]

Really well done . Ser and Estoy has been a constant problem for me. I was laughing like crazy with you example. Thanks for sharing.

[milly]

I saw a thing where to remember the difference, you can use an acronym ‘DOCTOR’ for ser and ‘PLACE’ for estar to remember their uses:-

SER - for Descriptions, Origin, Characteristics, Time, Occupations & Relationships

ESTAR - for Position, Location, Actions, Conditions & Emotions

[plans]

The best video on this topic that I have found so far. Thank you a lot!

[carmenhorvath]

HAHAHAHA ! I love it. So true. I'm so happy I found this video, I think it will change my whole way of thinking / calculating the use of Estar vs Ser. Thank you for the lesson and the great humour 😄

[skobielalternativo]

Mis sinceras felicitaciones por hacer referencia a la expresión "matar el tiempo". Como dato curioso, cada vez que usaba esa expresión de joven, mi padre respondía: "No digas eso. El tiempo es algo muy valioso para matarlo".

[artsygirll]

I stumbled upon your channel and so glad that I did. I have been very confused with Ser & Estar with one being permanent and the other temporary. Your video is so helpful and does clear some of the confusion. I've just subscribed to your channel and will check out your other videos. Thank you!

[GetGwapThisYear]

The hardest part of learning for me is how quickly Spanish is spoken 😂.
I can’t always determine what words are in a sentence until one I’m familiar with jumps out. Until then it might as well be one long word 😂

[ramoncornejo]

Es increible el nivel de manejo de mi idioma que usted a logrado Sr. Barr no me cabe duda que sus alumnos llegarán un día a dominarlo teniendo un profesor así.