what is the difference between "estaba" y "he estado"?

Question

I repeat the question because the previous one had too many typos (I apologise).

What is better to day "Estaba en el supermercado esta manyana" o "He estado en el supermercado esta manyana"?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Estaba en el supermercado esta mañana

To me, this expression seems to beg the question, "and then what happened."

In this case, the use of the imperfect appears to be best used in order to describe an action that is "unfolding" so-to-speak. For example, "I was in the supermarket this morning, **and I ran into Bob and Tina***," or *"I was in the supermarket this morning **when I heard the alarm sound."*

He estado en el supermercado

Using the present perfect, we often describes situations that began in the past that carry on into the present or whose actions continue to impact or affect the present. Often the present perfect carries with it the word "ya (already)."

Ya he estado en el supermercado esta mañana - I have already been to the supermarket this morning

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hola,

An option:

Estaba en el supermercado = I was at the supermarket

He estado en el supermercado = I have been in the supermarket

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

"Estaba" is something you did in the past habitually.

"He estado" is something you have just done.