Tips 075: The 4 Past Spanish Translations of ‘Was’

One long term ongoing test for english students learning Spanish is the difference between ‘ser’ and ‘estar’. For me these two words remind me of studying physics—as you move up the levels they keep telling you to forget the previous rules you have already learned.

As if these two words weren’t confusing enough, you also have to adapt to a number of different ways of talking about the past in Spanish. What this means is that the translation of ‘was’ can present a challenge.

In today’s spanish theory podcast, we are focusing on the 4 possible past spanish translations of was. I’m going to give a number of examples of each to test and reinforce your knowledge.

The four possible translations of ‘I was’ in Spanish are:

Fui – The indefinido of ser.

Era – The imperfect of ser.

Estuve – The indefinido of estar.

Estaba – The imperfect of estar.

Here is the list of conjugations of ser in the past simple:

Here is the list of conjugations of ser in the past imperfect:

Here is the list of conjugations of estar in the past simple:

Here is the list of conjugations of estar in the past imperfect:

If you really want to get the most out of today’s podcast, write out a few examples of your own to help embed what you have learned in your long term memory.

Podcast episodes mentioned in this podcast:

• Tips 009: Para Ser – In Order to Be.


• Tips 011: Estoy por – I’m up for…


• Tips 049: The Past Imperfect.


• Tips 055: Pretérito Indefinido – The Simple Spanish Past Tense.

Examples form today’s episode:

Last week I went to a party and it was a lot of fun – La semana pasada fui a una fiesta y fue muy divertida.

When I was young I used to swim a lot – Cuando era pequeño nadaba mucho.

Last week I was really busy – La semana pasada estuve muy ocupado.

I met a girl last week and she was very pretty – Conocí a una chica la semana pasada y ella era muy guapa.

Yesterday, I was at home alone when all of sudden I heard a noise – Ayer, estaba solo en casa cuando de repente oí un ruido.

In 2003, despite my money problems I was able to survive. It was thanks to a good friend who helped me – En 2003, a pesar de mis problemas de dinero pude sobrevivir. Fue gracias a un buen amigo que me ayudó.

At first I thought it was really boring but later it was much better – Al principio pensé que era muy aburrido, pero más tarde fue mucho mejor.

Well, it was a new dress – Bueno, era un vestido nuevo.

I had to go to class last night. The class was at 9 – Tuve que ir a clase anoche. La clase fue a las 9.

On Sunday, I was speaking with my mum for 3 hours – El domingo estuve hablando con mi madre durante 3 horas.

Last time I saw them, they were on the table – La última vez que las vi, estaban sobre la mesa.

I remember before she found her new job, she was very unhappy – Me acuerdo que antes de encontrar su nuevo trabajo, ella estaba muy descontenta.

When were you in class? – ¿Cuando estuviste en clase?

It was tuesday – Fue el martes.

My ex-housemate was never ready on time – Mi ex-compañero de casa nunca estaba listo a tiempo.

My great grandparents were from Scotland – Mis bisabuelos eran de Escocia.

What are some other examples of the spanish translations of was?

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