Portuguese Verbs Ser vs Estar: How to Say “To Be” with Examples

One of the first challenges English speakers face when learning Portuguese is understanding the difference between ser and estar. Both translate to “to be”, but they are used in different contexts.

Ser is used for permanent characteristics, identity, professions, nationality, and time.

Example: Eu sou americano. – I am American.

Estar is used for temporary states, emotions, locations, and ongoing actions.

Example: Eu estou em casa. – I am at home.

In this guide, we’ll go through the first person singular (eu) forms of ser and estar across the main tenses, with examples to help you know exactly when to use each verb.

Conjugations of ser and estar (eu) + Examples

1. Presente do Indicativo

eu sou – I am (permanent)

Ex.: Eu sou professor. – I am a teacher.

eu estou – I am (temporary)

Ex.: Eu estou cansado. – I am tired.

2. Pretérito Perfeito (Past Simple)

eu fui – I was (permanent, identity, events)

Ex.: Eu fui estudante em São Paulo. – I was a student in São Paulo.

eu estive – I was (temporary state, location)

Ex.: Ontem eu estive doente. – Yesterday I was sick.

3. Pretérito Imperfeito (Used to be)

eu era – I used to be (permanent)

Ex.: Quando criança, eu era muito curioso. – When I was a child, I was very curious.

eu estava – I used to be (temporary)

Ex.: Eu estava feliz naquela época. – I was happy at that time.

4. Futuro do Presente (Future)

eu serei – I will be (permanent)

Ex.: Eu serei médico no futuro. – I will be a doctor in the future.

eu estarei – I will be (temporary)

Ex.: Amanhã eu estarei em casa. – Tomorrow I will be at home.

5. Futuro do Pretérito (Conditional)

eu seria – I would be (permanent)

Ex.: Eu seria mais feliz se morasse perto do mar. – I would be happier if I lived near the sea.

eu estaria – I would be (temporary)

Ex.: Eu estaria cansado depois da viagem. – I would be tired after the trip.

6. Presente do Subjuntivo

(que) eu seja – (that) I be (permanent)

Ex.: Espero que eu seja aceito no trabalho. – I hope I am accepted for the job.

(que) eu esteja – (that) I be (temporary)

Ex.: Espero que eu esteja melhor amanhã. – I hope I am better tomorrow.

7. Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo

(se) eu fosse – if I were (permanent)

Ex.: Se eu fosse rico, ajudaria mais pessoas. – If I were rich, I would help more people.

(se) eu estivesse – if I were (temporary)

Ex.: Se eu estivesse em casa, atenderia o telefone. – If I were at home, I would answer the phone.

8. Futuro do Subjuntivo

(quando) eu for – when I am (permanent)

Ex.: Quando eu for mais velho, vou viajar o mundo. – When I am older, I will travel the world.

(quando) eu estiver – when I am (temporary)

Ex.: Quando eu estiver no Brasil, vou praticar português. – When I am in Brazil, I will practice Portuguese.

Useful Common Phrases Comparing Ser and Estar

Eu sou brasileiro. – I am Brazilian. (identity)

Eu estou no Brasil. – I am in Brazil. (location)

Eu sou casado. – I am married. (permanent state)

Eu estou cansado. – I am tired. (temporary state)

Eu fui estudante. – I was a student. (permanent)

Eu estive na festa ontem. – I was at the party yesterday. (location, temporary)

Mastering the difference between ser and estar is one of the most important steps in learning Portuguese. While both translate to “to be”, ser is used for permanent traits, identity, and professions, and estar is used for temporary states, emotions, and locations.

By practicing forms like eu sou (I am), eu estou (I am), eu fui (I was), eu estive (I was), and se eu fosse / se eu estivesse (if I were), you’ll quickly understand when to use each verb in real conversations.

Want to finally feel confident using ser and estar? Book a free trial lesson with our Brazilian teachers today and learn the natural way Brazilians use both verbs every day!

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