there was a

había un

there was a(thehr wuhz uh)

phrase

1. (for a long or undefined period of time)

a. había un (exist; used with singular masculine direct object)

There was a rumor in my town that ghosts haunted the lighthouse.

Había un rumor en mi ciudad natal que fantasmas rondaban el faro.

b. estaba un (be located someplace; used with singular masculine direct object)

There was a piano in the living room of my childhood home.

Estaba un piano en la sala de mi hogar de niñez.

2. (for a short or defined period of time)

a. hubo un (exist; used with singular masculine direct object)

I was walking along the street, and there was a loud noise.

Estaba caminando por la calle y hubo un ruido fuerte.

b. estuvo un (be located someplace; used with singular masculine direct object)

In class yesterday, there was a visiting student.

En clase ayer, estuvo un estudiante visitante.