What is the difference between ESSERE and STARE?

Sam asks: “When do I say SONO and when STO?“. What's the difference between ESSERE (to stay) and STARE (to be) ?

ESSERE (to be) – STARE (to stay)

Confusion:
Dialects
Similar Meanings

STANDARD ITALIAN = ENGLISH
I am..
I stay..
*exceptions apply!

▷ EXAMPLES

Sono Manu
“I am Manu”.

Sono Italiano
“I am Italian”.

Sono alto 170cm
“I am 170cm tall”.

Sono stanco
“I am tired”.

Sono sportivo
“I am sporty”.

Sto a casa
“Stay at home”.

Sto in albergo
“Stay in the hotel”.

STARE = RESTARE (to remain) ALLOGGIARE (to lodge)

Difference between ESSERE and STARE -

STANDARD ITALIAN MILD DISTINCTION

ESSERE (permanent state) – STARE (temporary state)

English Examples:

Where are you staying in Rome?
Stay calm!
Stay happy!
Be happy!
Be good!
Stay still!

ITALIAN DIALECTS STRONG DISTINCTION

ESSERE (permanent state) STARE (temporary state)

Spanish SER / ESTAR
(Dialects Only) – the words are often interchangeable, but the usage is colloquial.

▷ Some Examples

Sono Manu
Sono italiano
Sto stanco (Standard: Sono stanco)
Sto arrabbiato (Standard: Sono arrabbiato)
Stai fuori

Difference between ESSERE and STARE -

EXCEPTIONS: (when talking about health or emotional state)

▷ Some Examples

Come stai?
“How are you?”.

Sto bene
“I’m fine”.

Stare attento
“Pay attention”.

Stare zitto
“Be quiet/shut up”.

Stare buono
“Be good”.

AVERE + (“to be” in English)
FAME (hungry)
SETE (thirsty)
SONNO (sleepy)
PAURA (scared)
CALDO (hot)
FREDDO (cold)
RAGIONE / TORTO (right/wrong)

ESSERE & STARE – have the same Past Participle

SONO STATO
I was / I have been
I stayed / I have
stayed