The verb estar changes its meaning depending on whether it is used in El Pretérito Imperfecto or in El Pretérito Indefinido.
Estar in El Pretérito Imperfecto
Read and listen to these examples with verb estar in El Pretérito Imperfecto:
In the examples above, we are talking about an action/situation in the past but we do not consider the beginning or the end to be relevant. We don't know if the paintings are still in the museum, or if Martina is still depressed.
Estar in El Pretérito Indefinido
Now, read and listen to these examples with verb estar in El Pretérito Indefinido:
In the examples above, we are talking about an action in the past but we know there is a beginning and an end, and the situation or action is no longer current.
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Examples and resources
Los cuadros estaban en el museo.The paintings were in the museum.
(We are describing a situation where the timeframe is not relevant.)
Martina estuvo deprimida.Martina was depressed.
(We know Martina is no longer depressed; she is feeling better now.)
