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Conjugation Chart

“Estar” (to be) in the Present Tense

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Understanding the Present Tense of “Estar”

The Present Tense of Estar is used to describe temporary states or conditions, for example, Estoy cansado. (I am tired.)

Estar is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugations don’t follow a set pattern across all subjects.

How to Use Estar in the Present Tense

Estar generally means “to be” in a temporary state or condition, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

Location: To indicate where someone or something is located, for example, Estoy en la oficina (I am at the office).

Temporary Condition: To describe a temporary physical or emotional state, for example, Estoy cansado (I am tired).

Progressive Action: To express an ongoing action, for example, Estoy estudiando (I am studying).

Idiomatic Expressions: In some idiomatic expressions, for example, Estoy hasta la madre (I’m fed up, slang).

Describing Characteristics: To describe temporary characteristics or qualities, for example, Estás muy guapo hoy (You look very handsome today).

Indicating Time: To tell the time, for example, Estamos a las 3 de la tarde (It’s 3 o’clock in the afternoon).

Indicating Weather: To describe the weather, for example, Está lloviendo (It’s raining).

Real Life Examples of Estar in the Present Tense

Hoy estoy en la oficina trabajando. (Today I am at the office working.)

Mis amigos están en el parque ahora mismo. (My friends are at the park right now.)

¿Dónde estás ahora? (Where are you right now?)

La fiesta está en pleno apogeo. (The party is in full swing.)

Nosotros estamos buscando un nuevo apartamento. (We are looking for a new apartment.)

Ella está muy emocionada por su nuevo trabajo. (She is very excited about her new job.)

¿En qué estás pensando? (What are you thinking about?)

Los niños están jugando en el patio. (The kids are playing in the yard.)

El concierto está a reventar. (The concert is packed.)

Yo estoy aprendiendo español. (I am learning Spanish.)

¿Cómo estás hoy? (How are you today?)

Ellos están de vacaciones en la playa. (They are on vacation at the beach.)

La reunión está por comenzar. (The meeting is about to start.)

Nosotros estamos esperando el autobús. (We are waiting for the bus.)

Ella está muy ocupada con su nuevo proyecto. (She is very busy with her new project.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Estar (to be) in the Present Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

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.