estuvo
“estuvo” means “was” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
was
Also: he was / she was / you (formal) were
📝 In Action
Mi hermana estuvo en la playa ayer.
A1My sister was at the beach yesterday.
El libro estuvo sobre la mesa, pero ya no.
A2The book was on the table, but not anymore.
¿Usted estuvo en la reunión del lunes?
A2Were you (formal) at the meeting on Monday?
was
Also: it was
📝 In Action
Él estuvo muy cansado después del partido.
A1He was very tired after the game.
La sopa estuvo deliciosa, gracias.
A2The soup was delicious, thank you.
La puerta estuvo cerrada toda la mañana.
A2The door was closed all morning.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: estuvo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'estuvo'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Estuvo' comes from the verb 'estar', which traces back to the Latin word 'stāre', meaning 'to stand'. Over time, the idea of 'standing' somewhere evolved to mean 'being' somewhere or in a certain condition.
First recorded: Forms of 'estar' appear in the earliest written Spanish texts, around the 10th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'estuvo' and 'estaba'?
Think of it like this: 'estuvo' is for an action or state with a clear beginning and end, like a snapshot. 'Mi jefe estuvo en la oficina por dos horas' (My boss was in the office for two hours). 'Estaba' is for describing a scene or an ongoing action in the past, like a video playing. 'Hacía sol y los pájaros cantaban; yo estaba feliz' (It was sunny and the birds were singing; I was happy).
When do I use 'estuvo' vs. 'fue'?
It's the classic 'estar' vs. 'ser' difference, but in the past. Use 'estuvo' for temporary states and locations (how you are, where you are). 'Ella estuvo cansada' (She was tired). 'Ella estuvo en Chile' (She was in Chile). Use 'fue' for permanent characteristics and identity (what you are, who you are). 'La película fue aburrida' (The movie was boring - its essential quality). 'Ella fue mi profesora' (She was my teacher - her identity/role).
Who does 'estuvo' refer to?
'Estuvo' can refer to three different people: 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), or 'usted' (you, formal). You can usually tell who it is from the rest of the sentence. For example, 'Juan estuvo aquí' refers to 'él' (he).