Presentarse con: ser, estar, llamarse, tener, vivir

In this lesson, we are going to learn some of the most important verbs in Spanish and the difference between a regular, an irregular and a reflexive verb.

In Spanish, verbs are categorized into 3 main types:

• regular: regular verbs follow specific conjugation patterns, making them relatively easy to learn.
• irregular: irregular verbs, on the other hand, deviate from standard patterns, often changing their stem or ending in unpredictable ways.
• reflexive: reflexive verbs involve an action that is directed back to the subject, indicated by the reflexive pronoun “se.” For example, “lavarse las manos” means “to wash one’s hands,” where “lavarse” is the reflexive form of the verb “lavar” (to wash).

Grammar

To introduce yourself in Spanish, you’ll primarily use the verbs “ser,” “estar,” “llamarse,” “tener,” and “vivir.” Each verb serves a specific purpose:

• Ser: Used to describe permanent qualities, nationality, profession, origin, etc. (e.g., “Soy español”, “Soy médico” = “I am Spanish”, “I am a doctor”)
• Estar: Used to describe temporary states, emotions, locations, etc. (e.g., “Estoy cansado”, “Estoy en casa” – “I am tired”, “I am at home”)
• Llamarse: Indicates a person’s name (e.g., “Me llamo Ana” = “My name is Ana”)
• Tener: Used to express possession, age, physical characteristics, etc. (e.g., “Tengo 25 años”, “Tengo los ojos azules” – “I am 25 years old” “I have blue eyes”)
• Vivir: Indicates where a person lives (e.g., “Vivo en Madrid” = “I live in Madrid”)

Ejemplo – Example

(ES) Hola, me llamo María. Soy argentina y vivo en Buenos Aires. Tengo 30 años y soy profesora de español. Actualmente, estoy muy contenta con mi trabajo.

(EN) Hi, my name is Maria. I am Argentinian and I live in Buenos Aires. I am 30 years old and I am a Spanish teacher. Currently, I am very happy with my job.

Otro ejemplo – Another example

(ES) Hola, encantado de conocerte. Me llamo Carlos. Soy ingeniero en una empresa tecnológica. Tengo 32 años y estoy casado. Vivo en Barcelona y en mi tiempo libre me gusta nadar.

(EN) Hi, nice to meet you. My name is Carlos. I am an engineer in a technology company. I am 32 years old and I am married. I live in Barcelona and in my free time I like swimming.

Actividad 1 – Conjugation pattern (ser)

Actividad 2 – Conjugation pattern (estar)

Actividad 3 – Conjugation pattern (tener)

Actividad 4 – Julia presents herself

Actividad 5 – Pablo presents himself

Actividad 6 – Your turn

Extra

Do you want to learn how to express interests and hobbies? Check the lesson about the verb “gustar” = “to like”: Express likes and dislikes