I was

fui

estaba

I was(ay wuhz)

phrase

1. (used to express a permanent quality; short or defined period of time)

a. fui

I was the first person to be chosen for the team.

Fui la primera persona elegida para el equipo.

2. (used to express a temporary state; short or defined period of time)

a. estuve

I was angry last night.

Anoche estuve enojado.

3. (used to express a permanent quality; long or undefined period of time)

a. era

I was very shy when I was young.

Era muy tímido de joven.

4. (used to express a temporary state; long or undefined period of time)

a. estaba

I was in Paris when I met my girlfriend.

Estaba en París cuando conocí a mi novia.