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Quick Grammar Reference
P o r t u g u e s e O n l i n e

>>Verbs > Ser, estar and ficar

These three verbs are often translated by only one verb in English: to be. Since ser and estar are not interchangeable in Portuguese, but both mean to be, it is crucial to understand the difference between them.

>Ser
The verb ser means to be, and refers to a permanent or long-term state of being. When used with an adjective, it gives a sense of permanency or habitual nature.

Sou inteligente I am intelligent (it is a characteristic of mine)
É uma pessoa amável He's a kind person (it is a characteristic of his)

When used with a noun, it links the subject with a profession, occupation, or lifestyle.

Somos professores we're professors.
São meninos they're boys

The verb ser also expresses the time, since the time of day is considered to be a habitually recurring event.

São duas (horas) It's two (o'clock) (literally they're two (hours))
São oito e vinte (minutos) It's eight twenty (literally they're two and twenty (minutes))
É meio-dia it's midday (or noon)
É meia-noite it's midnight

>Estar
The verb estar means to be, and refers to a temporary or changing state of being. When used with an adjective, it gives a limited and very momentary description.

Estou inteligente I look intelligent (at this time; I look like I'm smart is also a possibility)
Está amável He seems nice (it is a temporary judgment)

Some adjectives are almost always used with estar, since they are by nature impermanent.

Estamos tristes we're sad.
Estão contentes they're happy (content)

>Ficar
When it comes to location (where something is), both ser and estar can be used. With stationary objects, such as buildings, places, or landmarks, the verb ser sounds more logical, but estar is also acceptable. Of course, you will also use the verb estar when talking about the location of a person or a moving object.

There is a third alternative: ficar. The word roughly means to be located, but it translates best to be when talking about location:

A casa fica aqui the house is here.
Eu fico na rua I'm in the street.

Ficar is also the Portuguese verb for to stay.