"Es Bien" or "Es Bueno"

“Está Bien” says this cyclist! Photo by Fat Lads on Unsplash

"Es bien" is not a standard or correct expression in Spanish. Typically, one would say "está bien" to mean "it's good" or "it's okay."

The confusion often stems from the fact that Spanish has two verbs for "to be": "ser" and "estar." Both have different uses and contexts:

1. Ser (“es” in the third person singular):

   • Used for permanent or lasting attributes.

   • Examples:

     • "Él es profesor." ("He is a teacher.")

     • "Ella es alta." ("She is tall.")

   • In the context of "good" or "okay," it's not common to use "ser" with "bien." Instead, if you were talking about something being good in a more permanent sense, you might use "ser" with "bueno/buena."

     • "Es una buena idea." ("It's a good idea.")

     • "El libro es bueno." ("The book is good.")

2. Estar (está in the third person singular):

   • Used for temporary states, locations, or conditions.

   • Examples:

     • "Él está cansado." ("He is tired.")

     • "Ella está en el parque." ("She is at the park.")

   • When expressing the idea of something being "okay" or "good" in a temporary or situational context, "estar" is used with "bien."

     • "Está bien." ("It's okay/good.")

     • "Todo está bien." ("Everything is okay/good.")

The phrase "es bien" is not standard in Spanish because "bien" is an adverb, and adverbs don't typically modify forms of "ser." Instead, "bien" commonly modifies verbs or other adverbs. On the other hand, "bueno" or "buena" (adjectives) can be used with "ser" to describe something as good.

Understanding when to use "ser" vs. "estar" with help you sound more fluent!