Spanish · Common Verbs
Ser
To be (permanent)
Beginnerverb
Definition
Used to express permanent or defining characteristics.
Example
Soy español y soy músico.
I am Spanish and I am a musician.
Etymology
'Ser' originates from the Latin 'esse,' which was used to denote existence or being. Over time, it evolved into the modern Spanish verb specifically indicating permanent states or characteristics.
How & Where It’s Used
'Ser' is used in both formal and informal registers, found in spoken and written language. It is consistent in usage across various Spanish-speaking regions, often taught as a fundamental verb in language education.
Literary Heritage
Frequently appears in literature, such as in pithy quotes from poets like Pablo Neruda, and phrases like 'Ser o no ser' from Shakespeare's original works in translation.