Ser vs Estar in Spanish: when and where something takes place
When something takes place
To say when something takes place we use the verb ser this way:
Where something takes place
In a similar way we use the verb ser to say where something takes place:
You will often find a preposition after ser in these cases to introduce the part of the phrase that indicates time or location (= existence)
Be careful! We are referring here to "events", e.g. parties, meetings, concerts, weddings, exhibitions... and the nuance is to indicate their "existence"; we are talking about the event itself, rather than its physical location. For example:
¿Dónde es la exposición? - Es en el Museo del Prado.Where is the exhibition? - It's at the Museo del Padro.
(an exhibition is an event)
- ¿Y dónde está el Museo del Prado? - Está en Madrid.- And where is Museo del Prado? - It's in Madrid.
(a museum is a place)
An exhibition is an event (es en...), but a museum is a place (está en...)
See also Ser vs Estar in Spanish: Using estar in Spanish (not ser) when talking about locations
Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
