The form 'estuvieron' tells you that the action started and finished at a specific time in the past. It's used for completed events, like 'They were at the party for two hours.'

The Simple Past (Preterite)

The verb 'estar' is irregular in the simple past. Notice how it uses the 'estuv-' stem, not the regular '-ar' ending pattern. You just have to memorize this change!

Irregularity of Estar

Use 'estuvieron' when describing location, temporary feelings, or conditions that lasted for a clear, defined period in the past.

When to use 'Estuvieron'

Extremely common. This is the simple past form of 'estar' (to be) used when talking about where people or things were at a specific time.

Using the wrong verb for temporary states

Remember, 'estuvieron' comes from 'estar,' which describes temporary states. If you used 'fueron' (from 'ser'), it would mean their condition was permanent or inherent, which is usually incorrect for feelings like sadness or tiredness.

Ser vs. Estar in the Past

Very common; used to describe how people felt or their temporary condition at a specific, completed time in the past.

Learn the meaning and correct usage of 'estuvieron,' the third-person plural simple past form of the irregular verb 'estar' (to be). Covers location, temporary states, and the crucial distinction between 'estar' and 'ser' in the past.

estuvieron

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations