estén
/eh-STÉN/
they are (located)
The image shows three birds on a branch, indicating 'they are (located).'
estén(verb)
they are (located)
?present subjunctive of 'estar'
,you all are (located)
?present subjunctive of 'estar' (formal plural)
they may be (there)
?expressing possibility or doubt
📝 In Action
Necesito que **estén** aquí a las ocho.
A2I need you all to be located here at eight o'clock.
No creo que las llaves **estén** en el coche.
B1I don't believe that the keys are in the car.
Es posible que **estén** de vacaciones ahora.
B2It is possible that they are on vacation right now.
💡 Grammar Points
Triggering the Subjunctive Mood
Estén is a special form used when the first part of the sentence expresses uncertainty, desire, emotion, or command (e.g., espero que, dudo que).
Formal Plural Command
Estén is also the command form for ustedes (you all, formal): '¡Estén listos!' (Be ready!).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Location (Estar) and Identity (Ser)
Mistake: "No creo que ellos **sean** en casa. (Incorrect use of 'ser' for location.)"
Correction: No creo que ellos **estén** en casa. (Use 'estar' for where things are located.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Easy Subjunctive Rule
If a sentence has two different subjects connected by que (that), and the first part expresses a need or wish, you probably need the special form estén for the second verb.
The illustration of two children jumping happily represents the temporary state of being joyful.
estén(verb)
they are (in a state)
?present subjunctive describing health, mood, or temporary condition
,you all are (in a state)
?formal plural subjunctive describing condition
they are getting
?often used when talking about progress or change
📝 In Action
Llamaré para asegurarme de que todos **estén** bien de salud.
A2I will call to make sure that everyone is well (in good health).
Me alegra que **estén** contentos con su nuevo proyecto.
B1I'm happy that they are satisfied with their new project.
No quiero que las paredes **estén** sucias.
B2I don't want the walls to be dirty (a temporary condition).
💡 Grammar Points
Temporary vs. Permanent
Remember: We use forms of estar like estén to describe things that can change (moods, states of being, health), not permanent facts (which use forms of ser).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Accent
Mistake: "No quiero que ellos esten aburridos. (Missing the accent mark.)"
Correction: No quiero que ellos **estén** aburridos. (Always include the accent to correctly form the subjunctive.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estén
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'estén' to express a desire?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'estén' have an accent mark?
The accent on **estén** (and all subjunctive forms like *esté*, *estemos*, etc.) is necessary to maintain the correct stress on the final syllable. Without it, the stress would fall incorrectly on the first syllable.
What is the difference between 'están' and 'estén'?
**Están** is used to state a known fact about location or condition (They are here). **Estén** is used when the location or condition is uncertain, desired, or doubted (I hope they are here).