estuvieran
“estuvieran” means “they were” in Spanish (Hypothetical or past desire/doubt).
they were, you all were
Also: they might be, they would be
📝 In Action
Mi madre quería que mis hermanos **estuvieran** en casa para la cena.
B1My mother wanted my brothers to be home for dinner.
Si **estuvieran** de vacaciones, no tendrían este problema.
B2If they were on vacation, they wouldn't have this problem.
No creía que ustedes **estuvieran** tan cansados.
B2I didn't believe that you all (formal) were so tired.
Era importante que **estuvieran** preparados para el examen.
B1It was important that they were prepared for the exam.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "estuvieran" in Spanish:
they were→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: estuvieran
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'estuvieran'?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb *estar* comes from the Latin word *stare*, meaning 'to stand.' The irregular 'estuv-' root that gives us 'estuvieran' developed early in Spanish to distinguish it from the verb *ser* (which comes from a different Latin root).
First recorded: Old Spanish (around the 10th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'estuvieran' and 'estuviesen'?
They are exactly the same tense (Imperfect Subjunctive) and mean the same thing. 'Estuvieran' (the -ra form) is much more common in modern Spanish, especially in Latin America. You can use either one, but 'estuvieran' is safer.
When do I use 'estuvieran' instead of 'estuvieron'?
'Estuvieron' is a statement of fact in the past (They were happy). 'Estuvieran' is used when the state of 'being' is uncertain, hypothetical, or dependent on a past emotion or command (I doubted they were happy). When in doubt, if the main clause expresses a feeling or doubt, you probably need 'estuvieran'.