ser and estar — two verbs "to be"
English has one "to be". Valencian has two, and the choice is the first real skill. For example: “Sóc rus” — I am Russian (that is what I always am). A rule from the Valencian course: worked out on examples, not memorized as a wording.
How it works
English has one "to be". Valencian has two, and the choice is the first real skill.
ser (ésser) is about essence: work, origin, character. Its forms are sóc, ets, és.
estar is about state and place: where you are, how you feel now. Estic bé — I am fine.
The trap sits in one word: És avorrit — he is a boring man; Està avorrit — he is bored right now.
Table
| ser | estar | |
|---|---|---|
| jo | sóc | estic |
| tu | ets | estàs |
| ell / ella / vostè | és | està |
| nosaltres | som | estem |
| ells / vostès | són | estan |
By example
- Sóc rusI am Russian (that is what I always am)
- Estic béI am well (right now)
- El cafè està calentThe coffee is hot (right now)
How the rule settles in your head
A rule is not memorized from an explanation. It is memorized from an attempt to use it and a mistake — that is why the app delivers it mixed in with words, not as a separate lesson: it resurfaces exactly where you forgot it.
Frequently asked
ser and estar — two verbs "to be": how does it work in Valencian?
English has one "to be". Valencian has two, and the choice is the first real skill.
What does it look like in an example sentence Valencian?
“Sóc rus” — I am Russian (that is what I always am). A rule is easier to test on sentences like this than to memorize as a wording: what surfaces in conversation is the sentence.