Soy vs estoy

Greg E.A0Kwiziq community member

Soy vs estoy

If estar is to be used with a location, why use ser to discuss where one is from?

Asked 5 years ago
InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hola Greg

The second context (where you are from) is not so much about where something/someone is located; it is referring to the "origin" (in this case it is ser):

Estoy en Madrid (I am [located] in Madrid) 

This one says where the person is physically. 

Soy de Madrid (I am [originally] from Madrid) 

This one doesn't say where the person is physically, but where he/she comes from.

Un saludo

Inma

Roxana M.A0Kwiziq community member

Because ser is to be in a situation that does not change. You will be for ever from your birthtown. But  estar is to be in a situation that does change. Today you are in Madrid, tomorrow you are in New York.

Soy vs estoy

If estar is to be used with a location, why use ser to discuss where one is from?

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