One of the first challenges students face when learning Portuguese is understanding the difference between ser and estar.
Both verbs mean “to be” in English, but they are used in different situations.
The simplest way to understand the difference is this:
Ser describes characteristics that are part of someone’s essential nature.
Estar describes temporary or external conditions.
Exemplos:
Eu sou brasileiro.
I am Brazilian.
Ela é muito inteligente.
She is very intelligent.
Eu estou cansado.
I am tired.
Ela está feliz hoje.
She is happy today
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