Portuguese Ser vs Estar

For identity and lasting traits: - who or what something is - nationality and origin - profession - personality and physical description - material - time, days and dates - where an event takes place

For states and conditions: - feelings and moods - health - temporary conditions - where a person or object is right now - weather - estar + gerund (is doing)

Ela é bonita. = She is beautiful (a trait). Ela está bonita. = She looks beautiful (right now, today).

People and movable things: estar. Os livros estão na mesa. Buildings and fixed places: ficar. Onde fica o banco? Events: ser. A festa é na casa da Ana.

She is a doctor. Profession → ser

We are from Brazil. Origin → ser

Today is Monday. Days and dates → ser

It is three o'clock. Time → ser (plural são for hours above one)

The table is made of wood. Material → ser

My brother is tall. Physical description → ser

She is very nice. Personality → ser

João is my friend. Identity and relationships → ser

The party is on Saturday. Time and place of events → ser

It is important to study. Impersonal expressions → ser

I am sick. Health → estar

My brother is tired. Temporary state → estar

The coffee is cold. Condition right now → estar

Where are you? Location of a person → estar

The books are on the table. Location of objects → estar

It's very hot today. Weather → estar

He is working now. estar + gerund = action in progress (Brazilian usage)

The window is open. Resulting state → estar

We are on vacation. estar de férias = to be on vacation

The soup is (tastes) great! How something seems right now → estar