Adjectives That Change Meaning

Some adjectives change their meaning with the verb. With ser they describe what someone or something is like (character, a lasting quality). With estar they describe a state or condition at the moment.

• ser aburrido = to be boring; estar aburrido = to be bored
• ser listo = to be clever; estar listo = to be ready
• ser verde = to be green (colour); estar verde = to be unripe
• ser rico = to be rich; estar rico = to taste good
• ser malo = to be bad; estar malo = to be ill
• ser orgulloso = to be arrogant; estar orgulloso = to be proud of someone
• ser seguro = to be safe; estar seguro = to be sure
• ser vivo = to be sharp, quick; estar vivo = to be alive

Ask yourself: is it a quality or a state? Mi profesor es aburrido. (My teacher is boring.) Estoy aburrido. (I'm bored.)