Overview
This lesson explains how the verb "estar" ("to be") is irregular in the preterite tense and how to form and use it in past contexts.
The Verb Estar: Present & Preterite Forms
- "Estar" means "to be" (used for emotions, locations, and conditions).
- Present tense forms: estoy, estás, está, estamos, están.
- Preterite tense forms: estuve, estuviste, estuvo, estuvimos, estuvieron.
- "Estar" is irregular in the preterite tense and does not use regular conjugation patterns.
Usage of Estar in the Preterite
- The preterite tense describes actions that are started and finished.
- Using "estar" in the preterite for emotions implies a change, e.g., "estuve triste" means "I got sad."
- When talking about past locations or temporary states, use preterite forms of "estar."
Example Sentences
- "Yo estuve triste" = I was (got) sad.
- "Raúl estuvo en el baño" = Raúl was in the bathroom.
- "Gilberto estuvo en la escuela" = Gilberto was in school.
- "Dora y Clara estuvieron en el museo" = Dora and Clara were at the museum.
- "Estuvimos cansados" = We were (got) tired.
- "Raúl estuvo aburrido" = Raúl got bored.
- "Yo estuve en casa" = I was at home.
- "Mis amigos estuvieron en el cine" = My friends were at the movies.
Adjective Agreement with Estar
- Adjectives after "estar" agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the subject.
- For "we" (nosotros/nosotras), use plural adjectives (ej. "cansados" for males/mixed, "cansadas" for females).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Estar — Spanish verb meaning "to be" (used for temporary states and locations).
- Preterite tense — Verb form used to express actions completed in the past.
- Irregular verb — A verb that does not follow regular conjugation rules.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice conjugating "estar" in both present and preterite forms.
- Translate English sentences about past states or locations into Spanish using preterite forms of "estar".
- Review adjective agreement in Spanish (gender and number).
- Watch future lessons on the imperfect tense for more details.