estuvieran
es-too-VYEH-rahn
Quick Reference
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'If' Tense
Use 'estuvieran' in the 'if' part of a hypothetical sentence about the present or future (e.g., 'Si estuvieran ricos, viajarían' — If they were rich, they would travel).
Past Wishes and Feelings
This form is required when the main part of the sentence expresses a past wish, doubt, or emotion about a secondary action: 'Me alegró que estuvieran sanos' (It made me happy that they were healthy).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong past tense
Mistake: "Dudé que ellos estaban en casa."
Correction: Dudé que ellos estuvieran en casa. (You need the special subjunctive form after verbs of doubt in the past.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Recognizing the Root
The 'estuv-' root is a giveaway that you are dealing with the irregular forms of 'estar', especially the preterite and the subjunctive.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estuvieran
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'estuvieran'?
📚 More Resources
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'.