estuvieron
/es-too-VYEH-rohn/
they were
Estuvieron can mean 'they were' when talking about where people were located in the past.
estuvieron(Verb)
they were
?Location or position in the past
,you were (plural, formal)
?Location or position in the past (ustedes)
they stayed
?Focusing on duration of being in a place
📝 In Action
Ellos estuvieron en la biblioteca hasta las cinco.
A1They were at the library until five o'clock.
¿Ustedes estuvieron aquí ayer por la mañana?
A2Were you (plural, formal) here yesterday morning?
Las llaves estuvieron debajo de la mesa todo el tiempo.
B1The keys were under the table the whole time.
💡 Grammar Points
The Simple Past (Preterite)
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.'
Irregularity of Estar
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!
⭐ Usage Tips
When to use 'Estuvieron'
Use 'estuvieron' when describing location, temporary feelings, or conditions that lasted for a clear, defined period in the past.
Estuvieron can also mean 'they were' when describing a temporary state or emotion, such as being tired or happy.
estuvieron(Verb)
they were
?Temporary state or emotion (e.g., tired, happy)
they looked
?Appearance or condition at a specific moment
📝 In Action
Después de la noticia, estuvieron muy tristes por un rato.
A2After the news, they were very sad for a while.
Los niños estuvieron callados durante la película.
B1The children were quiet during the movie.
Ellas estuvieron listas para salir a las ocho.
A2They were ready to leave at eight.
💡 Grammar Points
Ser vs. Estar in the Past
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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb for temporary states
Mistake: "Ellos fueron cansados."
Correction: Ellos estuvieron cansados. (Use 'estar' for temporary states like tiredness.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estuvieron
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'estuvieron' to describe a temporary condition?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'estuvieron' and 'fueron'?
'Estuvieron' comes from the verb 'estar' and is used for specific, completed locations or temporary feelings and conditions (e.g., 'They were happy for a moment'). 'Fueron' comes from 'ser' (and also 'ir') and is used for permanent identities, characteristics, or origins (e.g., 'They were doctors').
Can 'estuvieron' be used to talk about actions?
Yes! When paired with the '-ndo' form of another verb (the gerund), it creates the past progressive tense, meaning 'They were doing something.' For example: 'Estuvieron comiendo' means 'They were eating.'