his parents were

sus padres eran

his parents were(hihz pehr-ihnts wuhr)

phrase

1. (used to indicate a permanent quality)

a. sus padres eran

His parents were math teachers.

Sus padres eran maestros de matemática.

2. (used to indicate a temporary state)

a. sus padres estaban

Arturo came home late, and his parents were worried.

Arturo regresó a casa tarde, y sus padres estaban preocupados.

3. (used to indicate location)

a. sus padres estaban

His parents were at church this morning.

Sus padres estaban en la iglesia esta mañana.