The simple present tense of ser is used to describe permanent or lasting characteristics, states of being, or facts. For example, Yo soy estudiante. (I am a student.)
Ser is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugations do not follow a set pattern across all subjects.
Conjugations
Conjugations of Ser (to be) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Yo | soy |
| Tú | eres |
| Él / Ella / Usted | es |
| Nosotros / Nosotras | somos |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | son |
Boost Your Memorization with Audio!
We’ve included audio recordings of the the conjugations of Ser (to be) in the Present Tense to help you learn faster.
Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop as you study the chart. This repetition will solidify the correct conjugations in your memory.
Usage of Ser in the Present Tense
Ser generally means “to be”, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.
To describe characteristics or states: For example, Ella es alta (She is tall).
To indicate origin or nationality: For example, Yo soy de México (I am from Mexico).
To express time: For example, Son las tres de la tarde (It is 3 o’clock in the afternoon).
To indicate possession: For example, Este libro es mío (This book is mine).
To express identity or occupation: For example, Él es médico (He is a doctor).
Colloquial usage: For example, ¡Eres un tonto! (You are a fool! – rude).
Examples
Examples of Ser in the Present Tense
Ellos son mis amigos del colegio. (They are my friends from school.)
Nosotros somos un equipo unido. (We are a united team.)
¿Tú eres la nueva vecina? (Are you the new neighbor?)
La fiesta es esta noche en el parque. (The party is tonight at the park.)
Yo soy vegetariano, no como carne. (I am a vegetarian, I don’t eat meat.)
Las clases de yoga son muy relajantes. (The yoga classes are very relaxing.)
¿Ustedes son los dueños de esta tienda? (Are you the owners of this store?)
Ella es una artista talentosa. (She is a talented artist.)
Este libro es un bestseller. (This book is a bestseller.)
Los precios son muy altos en esta ciudad. (The prices are very high in this city.)
¿Qué es esa cosa rara en el cielo? (What is that weird thing in the sky?)
Tus hijos son muy bien educados. (Your children are very well-behaved.)
La reunión es a las 3 pm. (The meeting is at 3 pm.)
Nosotros somos un equipo ganador. (We are a winning team.)
Esta comida es deliciosa. (This food is delicious.)
Conjugations with English Translations
Conjugations of Ser (to be) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Yo soy | I am |
| Tú eres | You are |
| Él / Ella / Usted es | He / She / You is |
| Nosotros / Nosotras somos | We are |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes son | They / You all are |
This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here
Synonyms
The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.