What does ser in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word ser in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use ser in Spanish.

The word ser in Spanish means being, person, be, be, be for, be, be, be, it can't be!, how can that be?, how could that be?, unless, pretend to be, be surly, be churlish, be the dog's bollocks, not matter, if it hadn't been for, if it weren't for, if it hadn't been for, if that's the case, if that's so, if so, that being the case, in that case, if possible, if necessary, if needed, stop being, stop being a [+ noun], right of audience, be a bundle of nerves, 's way, 's manner, 's nature, have to be [adjective] to do, play God, be somebody, be anyone, be someone, way of being, ought to do, be better, it couldn't be any other way, be inappropriate, be unacceptable, be no big deal, be nothing to write home about, be no slouch, be no mean feat, not to be trifled at, not be worth a darn, not be worth a damn, be neither fish nor fowl, no wonder, not be a good idea, not be everyone's cup of tea, be no small thing, be no mean feat, be shady, be fishy, be dishonest, be an important matter, it seems like, it looks like, promise to be, perhaps, I'm afraid not, what will become of...?, raison d'être, be water under the bridge, be judge and jury, be another story, be celestial, be heavenly, be wishful thinking, be like wine, be like a fine wine, be like brothers, be a two-way matter, be water under the bridge, be a piece of cake, be a doddle, be a matter of time, be 's fault, be of help, be of aid, be a big eater, be a hearty eater, be expected, think alike, be the same age, be of the opinion that, be of the view that, bat for the other team, play for the other team, be one in a million, be a star, be free to do something, be in control of one's own time, be in control of one's time, be the last straw, be the last straw, take the cake, take the cake, be the worst of the worst, be the worst possible, be the epitome of misfortune, be the lowest of the low, go unnoticed, be the spitting image of, be short of, be a decent person, be a kind person, be a nice person, be the salt of the earth, be posh, be a different matter, be another thing altogether, human being, be judge and jury, be the talk of the town, take the biscuit, be the last straw, be the icing on the cake, be the cherry on the cake, be amazing, be the last straw, be the dog's bollocks, take the biscuit, be a scream, be the pits, be the limit, rock, be something else, be the bee's knees, be a real terror, be the bee's knees, be the bee's knees, be the spitting image of , be a dead ringer for. To learn more, please see the details below.

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Meaning of the word ser

being

nombre masculino (cosa, ente)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Tu mascota es un ser vivo, no un juguete.

Your pet is a living being, not a toy.

person

nombre masculino (humano, persona, individuo)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Es un ser despreciable, ha hecho cosas terribles.

He is a despicable person: he has done terrible things.

be

verbo intransitivo (tener una cualidad)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

El agua del lago es azul.

The water in the lake is blue.

be

verbo intransitivo (posesión)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Estos dos coches son míos.

These two cars are mine.

be for

verbo intransitivo (servir para algo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

La cama es para dormir.

The bed is for sleeping.

be

verbo intransitivo (efectuarse, suceder)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

La fiesta será el sábado en mi casa.

The party will be on Saturday at my house.

be

verbo intransitivo (procedencia) (from)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Fernando Alonso es de Asturias.

Fernando Alonso is from Asturias.

be

verbo intransitivo (costar) (cost)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

¿A cómo son las naranjas?

How much are the oranges?

it can't be!

locución interjectiva (no lo creo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

how can that be?, how could that be?

expresión (¿Cómo es posible?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

unless

locución conjuntiva (a menos que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

A no ser que llueva mañana, iremos a la playa.

Unless it rains tomorrow, we will go to the beach.

pretend to be

locución verbal (fingir ser)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Las niñas aparentaban ser más grandes para entrar en la discoteca.

The girls pretended to be older in order to gain entry to the nightclub.

be surly, be churlish

locución verbal (ser arisco, malhumorado)

No te preocupes por él, es un cardo borriquero, siempre anda con esa cara.

be the dog's bollocks

expresión (positivo y negativo (ser extraordinario) (UK: slang, good)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El nuevo coche de Martín es la caraba, ¡estoy tan celoso!

not matter

locución verbal (ser indistinto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Da lo mismo si vienes o no, igual iremos.

It does not matter if you come or not, we are going regardless.

if it hadn't been for

locución conjuntiva (de no contar con)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

De no ser por ustedes, nunca habría salido adelante. Les debo mucho.

If it hadn't been for you, I never would have gotten by. I owe you big time.

if it weren't for, if it hadn't been for

locución conjuntiva (si no fuera porque)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

De no ser porque había un autobús nocturno, habríamos tenido que volver a casa caminando.

If it hadn't been for the night bus, we would have had to walk home.

if that's the case, if that's so, if so

locución adverbial (si ese es el caso)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Es posible que el jefe haya citado a toda la oficina a la reunión. De ser así, todos tendremos que ir.

The boss may have called everyone into her office for a meeting. If that's the case, we should all go.

that being the case, in that case

locución adverbial (si es así)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Todo parece indicar que la compañía va a cerrar el trato. De ser ese el caso, las cosas van a mejorar.

All indications are that the company will clinch the deal. In that case, things are going to get better.

if possible

locución adverbial (si puede ser)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

De ser posible me gustaría participar del proyecto. De ser posible, use fresas frescas en lugar de congeladas para esta receta.

If possible, I would like to participate in the project.

if necessary, if needed

locución adverbial (formal (si es necesario)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

De ser preciso, puedo trabajar horas extras.

If necessary, I can put in some overtime.

stop being

locución verbal (perder un atributo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Dejó de ser guapo con el paso de los años.

He stopped being handsome with the passing of years.

stop being a [+ noun]

locución verbal (cambiar de naturaleza)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¿Cuándo dejó de ser tu hermana y se convirtió en tu enemiga?

When did she stop being your sister and change into your enemy?

right of audience

(Derecho: principio de defensa)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

be a bundle of nerves

locución verbal (coloquial (estar muy nervioso) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Cuando llegó al hospital por el parto de su mujer, el joven estaba hecho un manojo de nervios.

When he arrived at the hospital for the birth of his child, he was a bundle of nerves.

's way, 's manner, 's nature

(personalidad)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Paula es un poco antipática, pero es su forma de ser y tendremos que acostumbrarnos.

Paula is a little unfriendly, but that's how she is and we will have to get used to it.

have to be [adjective] to do

expresión (informal (denota crítica) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Hay que ser tonto para burlarse del jefe en su cara. Definitivamente hay que ser idiota para dejar las llaves dentro del auto.

You really must be an idiot to leave the keys in the car.

play God

locución verbal (coloquial (creerse omnipotente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El jefe juega a ser Dios y nadie lo soporta. Ese científico jugó a ser Dios y causó una emergencia ambiental en su ciudad.

The boss plays God and nobody can stand him.

be somebody, be anyone, be someone

locución verbal (informal (tener prestigio) (be successful)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Nunca llegarás a ser alguien si no estudias.

You'll never be somebody if you don't work harder at school.

way of being

(personalidad)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Es mi manera de ser y no pienso cambiar.

That's just my way of being and I'm not going to change.

ought to do

locución verbal (resultar preferible que)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Será mejor que nos levantemos temprano si no queremos perder el tren.

We ought to get up early so we don't miss the train.

be better

locución verbal (resultar preferible)

Para hacer este trabajo, es mejor seguir ciertas precauciones de seguridad.

To do this job, it's better to follow certain safety precautions.

it couldn't be any other way

expresión (imposible que no fuera así)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be inappropriate, be unacceptable

locución verbal (ES (no ser admisible)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No es de recibo presentarse en un lugar sin haber sido invitado.

be no big deal

locución verbal (informal (no ser de importancia) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Los inconvenientes que encontramos no eran gran cosa y logramos llevar a cabo el proyecto.

The obstacles we came across were no big deal and we managed to see the project through.

be nothing to write home about

locución verbal (informal (no ser extraordinario) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El hotel era bueno, pero la comida no era la gran cosa.

The hotel was good, but the food was nothing to write home about.

be no slouch

locución verbal (coloquial (tener experiencia) (slang)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ese obrero no es manco: estoy seguro de que va a hacer un muy buen trabajo.

That workman is no slouch: I'm sure he'll do a great job.

be no mean feat, not to be trifled at

locución verbal (coloquial (no ser poca cosa)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ser un buen escritor no es moco de pavo.

not be worth a darn, not be worth a damn

locución verbal (coloquial, desaprobación (no valer para nada)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El nuevo no es ni chicha ni limonada: mejor no le confiemos este proyecto.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. Jose didn't get into university because he does not know his head from his ass.

be neither fish nor fowl

locución verbal (coloquial, desaprobación (persona: ser indeciso)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Nunca se sabe de qué lado está Alfonso; no es ni chicha ni limonada.

You never know which side Alfonso is on; he is neither fish nor fowl.

no wonder

locución verbal (ser de importancia)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Jerónimo está preocupado y no es para menos: su trabajo de cirujano es difícil.

Jerónimo is worried and no wonder: his job as a surgeon is tough.

not be a good idea

locución verbal (ES: informal (resultar inconveniente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Irse de vacaciones con la suegra no es plan. De no ser plan ir a tu casa, vamos a la de Diana.

Going on vacation with your mother-in-law is not a good idea.

not be everyone's cup of tea

locución verbal (coloquial (desagradar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No es plato de gusto ir al dentista.

be no small thing, be no mean feat

locución verbal (informal (ser considerable)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Estos resultados no son poca cosa si se toma en cuenta la actual situación económica del país.

These results are no mean feat: especially in light of the current economic downturn.

be shady, be fishy

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser turbio)

No entres en ese negocio que no es trigo limpio.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The man on the corner gave Maria the creeps.

be dishonest

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser mala persona)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No confíes en Eva que no es trigo limpio.

Don't trust Eva, she is dishonest.

be an important matter

locución verbal (coloquial (ser de gran importancia o repercusión)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Representar al país en la competencia de ajedrez son palabras mayores.

Representing your country in a chess tournament is an important matter.

it seems like, it looks like

expresión (al parecer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Parece ser que habrá otro recorte de personal.

It seems like there will be more staff cutbacks.

promise to be

expresión (da la impresión de ser)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

perhaps

expresión (es posible)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

—¿Vas a ir a mi fiesta el fin de semana? —No sé; puede ser.

"Are you going to my party this weekend?" "I don't know. Perhaps."

I'm afraid not

expresión (informal (ser poco probable)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

—Todo se perdona si hay amor, ¿verdad? —Pues va a ser que no.

- If there is love everything can be forgiven, right? - I'm afraid not.

what will become of...?

expresión (¿qué pasará con...?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

¿Dices que renunciaste a tu trabajo? ¿Qué va a ser de ti? ¿Qué va a ser de nosotros ahora que mi papá no está?

Now you've chucked your job in, what will become of you? What will become of us now that dad's gone?

raison d'être

(motivo para existir)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Mis hijos son mi razón de ser: haría cualquier cosa por ellos.

My children are my raison d'être; I would do anything for them.

be water under the bridge

locución verbal (coloquial (ser algo superado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El escándalo del fraude electoral es agua pasada.

be judge and jury

locución verbal (tener conflicto de intereses)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Los criminales quieren hacer las leyes pero no pueden ser arte y parte.

Criminals want to make the laws, but they can't be judge and jury.

be another story

locución verbal (coloquial (otro tema)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Hablamos de la crisis; la corrupción es capítulo aparte.

be celestial, be heavenly

(criatura del cielo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Un ángel es un ser celestial.

An angel is a celestial being.

be wishful thinking

locución verbal (coloquial (asunto: ilusionar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¡Deja de pensar en qué gastarte el salario antes de ganártelo! Esto es como el cuento de la lechera.

Stop thinking about what you're going to spend your wages on before having earned them! That's wishful thinking.

be like wine, be like a fine wine

locución verbal (coloquial (mejorar con el tiempo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Hay hombres que son como el vino: cada año se ponen más guapos.

There are men who are like wine: they get better as they get older.

be like brothers

locución verbal (informal (ser muy cercanos)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Verónica y Pablo se conocen desde que nacieron y son como hermanos. Luisa y yo somos como hermanas y nos contamos todo.

Veronica and Pablo have known each other since they were born and they are like brothers.

be a two-way matter

locución verbal (informal (ser decisión conjunta)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

En la vida en pareja, todas las decisiones son cosa de dos.

In a relationship, all decisions are two-way matters.

be water under the bridge

locución verbal (informal (perder importancia)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Esa pelea que tuvimos es cosa del pasado.

The fight we had is water under the bridge.

be a piece of cake, be a doddle

locución verbal (coloquial (ser muy sencillo) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El camino difícil se acabó; a partir de ahora es coser y cantar.

The hard part is over, from now on it will be a piece of cake.

be a matter of time

locución verbal (pasar tarde o temprano)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Con el error que cometiste, tu despido es cuestión de tiempo.

Given the mistake you made, your dismissal is a matter of time.

be 's fault

locución verbal (haber un culpable)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Es culpa de Pedro que no haya más café.

It's Pedro's fault that there's no more coffee.

be of help, be of aid

locución verbal (resultar útil)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Una dieta sana es de ayuda para una vida mejor. ¿Crees que este libro te sería de ayuda?

Do you think this book will be of any help to you?

be a big eater, be a hearty eater

locución verbal (coloquial (comer mucho)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mis hijos son de buen diente y se comen todo lo que encuentran en la nevera.

be expected

locución verbal (ser previsible)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Era de esperar que Juan cancelara: siempre lo hace. Tu fracaso escolar era de esperar.

Juan pulling out was to be expected.

think alike

locución verbal (personas: pensar igual)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Juan y Javier son de la misma cuerda; actúan en la misma línea y para interés propio o de su grupo.

Juan and Javier think alike; they act along the same lines and for their own or their group's interest.

be the same age

locución verbal (informal (tener la misma edad)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be of the opinion that, be of the view that

(tener una opinión)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Soy de la opinión de que hay que invertir más en el campo. El director es de la opinión de contratar a más personas.

The director believes that we should hire more people.

bat for the other team, play for the other team

locución verbal (coloquial (hombre: ser homosexual)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Pablo nos dijo que es de la acera de enfrente.

be one in a million, be a star

locución verbal (informal (ser excepcional)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Gracias por todo lo que has hecho por mí; eres de lo que no hay.

Thanks for everything you've done for me; you're one in a million.

be free to do something

(informal (tener libertad para)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Soy dueño de ir al bar si me da la gana.

I'm free to go to the bar if I feel like it.

be in control of one's own time, be in control of one's time

locución verbal (organizar su tiempo libremente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Martín trabaja desde casa y es dueño de su tiempo.

Our time is our own, so we are free to travel.

be the last straw

locución verbal (ser el colmo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be the last straw

locución verbal (ser un desastre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take the cake

locución verbal (estar en el máximo) (US)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Las barbaridades que dice el expresidente ya son el colmo; ¡nadie debería prestarle atención!

The nonsense the ex-president comes out with takes the cake; nobody should pay him any attention!

take the cake

(estar en el máximo de) (US)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mi papá es el colmo del despiste: se le olvidó que ya había desayunado y se sirvió otra taza de cereales.

My father takes the cake when it comes to be being scatterbrained: he forgot that he had already had breakfast and helped himself to another bowl of cereal.

be the worst of the worst, be the worst possible

locución verbal (coloquial (ser inadmisible)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

No lo puedo creer; venir borracho a la oficina es el colmo de los colmos.

I can't believe it; turning up to the office drunk is the worst of the worst.

be the epitome of misfortune

locución verbal (padecer males)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Juan es el rigor de las desdichas; todo le sale mal.

be the lowest of the low

locución verbal (coloquial (persona: no importante)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

En un país con mal gobierno el ciudadano es el último mico.

go unnoticed

locución verbal (coloquial (ser insignificante)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ya me cansé del ser el último mono: quiero que se tenga en cuenta mi opinión.

be the spitting image of

(parecerse mucho) (physically)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Hijo, eres el vivo retrato de tu padre.

Son, you're the spitting image of your father.

be short of

(tener poco)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Todos sabemos que el hijo del jefe es escaso de inteligencia.

be a decent person, be a kind person, be a nice person

locución verbal (AmL: informal (ser bien educado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Carlos es gente; si prometió ayudarte, lo hará. Mi hijo no sería capaz de robar porque es muy gente.

My son wouldn't be capable of stealing because he's a very decent person.

be the salt of the earth

locución verbal (AmL: informal (ser distinguido) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Manuel era gente; el más ilustre que he conocido.

Manuel is the salt of the earth; the most honourable person I've ever known.

be posh

locución verbal (AmL: informal (ser de clase alta) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Los vecinos presumen de ser gente, pero tienen pésimos modales.

The neighbours think they're posh, but they've got really poor manners.

be a different matter, be another thing altogether

locución verbal (coloquial (ser tema aparte)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Puedes comer en mi casa, pero quedarte a dormir es harina de otro costal.

You can eat at my house, but spending the night is a different matter.

human being

(persona)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Como antropóloga, a Laura le parece fascinante el ser humano.

As an anthropologist, Laura thinks human beings are fascinating.

be judge and jury

locución verbal (tener conflicto de intereses)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be the talk of the town

locución verbal (coloquial (ser objeto de chismes)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take the biscuit

locución verbal (ES: vulgar (ser el colmo) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be the last straw

locución verbal (coloquial (ser intolerable) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Tu descaro fue la gota que colmó el vaso; ¡vete de aquí!

Your cheek was the last straw. Get out of here!

be the icing on the cake, be the cherry on the cake

locución verbal (coloquial (ser el colofón de algo bueno)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Fue un año excelente, y conseguir el aumento fue la guinda del pastel.

It was an excellent year and getting the raise was the icing on the cake.

be amazing

locución verbal (ES: vulgar (ser increíble)

¡El nuevo coche de Pedro es la hostia!

Pedro's new car is amazing!

be the last straw

locución verbal (coloquial (ser el colmo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be the dog's bollocks

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser extraordinariamente bueno) (UK: slang)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Eres la leche: jamás pensé que serías capaz de hacerlo.

You're the dog's bollocks; I never believed you could do pull it off.

take the biscuit

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser extraordinariamente malo) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¡Eres la leche! ¿Cómo puedes ser tan egocéntrico?

You really take the biscuit! How can you be so self-centered?

be a scream

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser muy gracioso) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ese comediante es la monda.

That comedian is a scream.

be the pits, be the limit

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser el colmo) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Este hombre es la monda: me exaspera.

That guy is the pits: he drives me round the bend.

rock

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser extraordinario) (colloquial)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

El carnaval es la monda.

The carnival rocks!

be something else

locución verbal (coloquial (ser excepcional)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Tu hermano es la pera; siempre tiene alguna idea para hacer las fiestas más divertidas.

Your brother is something else; he always comes up with an idea to make parties more fun.

be the bee's knees

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser excepcional) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Este negocio es la pera en bote: ¡nos vamos a hacer ricos!

This business is the bee's knees: we're going to make a killing!

be a real terror

locución verbal (AmL: coloquial (ser malicioso o latoso)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Luis es la piel de Judas: siempre molesta a su hermana menor. Mi hijo, que es como la piel de Judas, hace travesuras todo el día.

Luis is the spawn of Satan: he's always bothering his little sister.

be the bee's knees

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser extraordinario) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be the bee's knees

locución verbal (ES: coloquial (ser extraordinario) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be the spitting image of , be a dead ringer for

(parecerse mucho)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Carlos es la viva imagen de su padre.

Carlos is the spitting image of his father.

Let's learn Spanish

So now that you know more about the meaning of ser in Spanish, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in Spanish.

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