Why do we say “estoy listo” instead of “soy listo”?

There’s a super common mistake that Spanish students make all the time. I’m talking about the mix up between estar vs ser in Spanish. Are you wondering why there’s a lot of confusion on this subject? Think about it. Yes, both of these verbs are translated to the verb “To be” in English!

So, picture this: You are getting ready to go to a party. It’s a big party with the Puerto Rican family of your best friend. It’s the perfect chance to practice all the Spanish phrases you’ve learned! However, you’re at the door, about to say “I’m ready” in Spanish. And you wonder… “Estoy listo” or “Soy listo”?

“I” means “yo”, and “ready” means “listo”. But “am” can mean “soy” or “estoy”. So, to be or not to be, the question is literal this time. Which one is correct? For which kind of situation? You’ll find the answers to these questions and more right here. So, “¿Estás listo?”

Is there a difference?

Yes, of course there is a difference! Even if both verbs estar and ser in Spanish can mean “to be” in English. In fact, the word that you choose to use can give a completely different meaning to your sentence! 

Ser vs Estar in Spanish can cause a lot of confusion and some funny mistakes. So, to make sure you are avoiding these errors, you need to be aware of the differences. So, first, let’s take a closer look at each particular case.

When to use the verb “Ser”

In this debate of estar vs ser in Spanish, we could all use some help. So, let’s go straight to the point. The verb “Ser” is used for permanent things. That includes natural or essential qualities of people or things. You know, the things that you just are, the characteristics that define you.

For example, “Ser” in Spanish is used for these cases:

• Physical characteristics: Mi profesor es muy alto (My teacher is very tall)
• Origins and nationality: Tú eres canadiense (You are Canadian)
• Occupation: Él es odontólogo (He is a dentist)
• Time and date: Hoy es domingo (Today is sunday) 
• Relationships: Ustedes son compañeros de clase (You are classmates)

So what if you want to say “I’m ready”? Since being ready isn’t a personal characterístic, but something momentary, you can’t say “Soy listo” in this case. Then, let’s finally see the right answer to this Ser vs Estar in Spanish debate!

When to use the verb “Estar”

Even if estar and ser in Spanish can mean the same thing in English, they have complementary roles. You can think of them as opposites to help you remember each case. So, if “Ser” is used for permanent characteristics, “Estar” is the opposite. 

This means that “Estar” is used for temporary things. This includes things that change, that aren’t defining for a person or object. Let me show you with a few examples. These are the most common cases when you have to use “Estar” instead of “Ser” in Spanish.

• Emotions or conditions: Hoy estoy felíz porque estoy de vacaciones (Today I’m happy because I am on vacation)
• Actions (progressive tenses): Ella está cantando una canción (She is singing a song)
• Positions and places: Nosotros estámos en el segundo piso (We are on the second floor)

Did you notice that these are all things that can change? None of those examples are permanent things or qualities. That’s how you know the right verb is “Estar”.

This brings us to our original question. If being ready is a momentary thing, something you are in one moment but not a constant personal characteristic… Yes! The right word to use was “Estar”. That’s why we say “Estoy listo” instead of “Soy listo”.

That’s fantastic! We got the answer we were looking for. We also know the most common circumstances when each word is used. However, as we previously mentioned, using the wrong verb can completely change the meaning of your sentence. Let’s see why.

Words that change meaning with Estar vs Ser in Spanish

Knowing this difference in Ser vs Estar in Spanish, you can see why there can be some mistakes. If you mistake a passing situation for a natural characteristic, it can be a mess! Take a look at some of these examples that illustrate the difference between ser and estar:

• Colors

Ésta camisa es amarilla = This shirt is yellow

Ésta camisa está amarilla = This shirt is yellowed

• Rich

Mi tío es rico = My uncle is rich

El pollo está rico = The chicken tastes good

• Bored

Nosotros estamos aburridos = We are bored

Nosotros somos aburridos = We are boring

• Good

Mi mejor amiga es muy buena = She is very good

La pizza está muy buena = The pizza tastes very good

• Pride

Estoy orgulloso de mi hermano = I am proud of my brother

Tú eres una persona orgullosa = You are a proud person

Can you see the difference between ser and estar in each case? When they use the verb “Ser” they talk about a permanent characteristic like a color or personality trait. And when it’s the verb “Estar” they talk about something more temporary like a mood or feeling.

Let’s see them all together right here:

Useful tips to remember the difference

It’s clear now the difference between ser and estar in Spanish, right? We’ve seen when to use each one. We know how the meaning of a sentence can be changed by these little verbs. But how can we remember this? How can you be sure you won’t forget this tomorrow?

If you need help knowing when to use Ser and Estar, you can try these practical tips. This is how you will be able to keep track of the difference. Soon, you’ll never get them mixed up again! Let’s see:

• Embrace the mistakes. Not only is it okay to make mistakes at first. But they can also help you! That’s right, after mixing up “Estoy enfermo” and “Soy enfermo”, you won’t forget which is the right one!
• Ask yourself: Will this change? If the answer is no, then you use the verb “Ser”. If the answer is yes, then you use the verb “Estar”. For example, your nationality. Will you ever stop being Italian? No, then “Tú eres italiano.” See?
• A lot of reading and listening. Yes, this will help a lot. If you get used to the language and absorb more and more of it, it will come naturally. You’ll use the right words without thinking too much about it. You’ll just know you’ve seen it used before.

There you have it. I hope it’s all much more clear now. This is the full and final answer on why we say “Estoy listo” instead of “Soy listo”. It’s all about the correct use of the verbs “ser” and “estar” in Spanish.

They might have the same meaning in English, but now you know the truth about Estar vs Ser in Spanish. Most importantly, now you know how to tell them apart. Remember, constant practice is always the key.

So, ¿Estás listo? It’s time to go out there and practice everything you learned today! ¡Buena suerte!