they were

fueron

they were(they wuhr)

phrase

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

a. fueron

Of course I know Alicia and Ryan. They were my neighbors for five years.

Claro que conozco a Alicia y Ryan. Fueron mis vecinos durante cinco años.

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

a. estuvieron

Alex and Virginia had a wonderful time in Italy. They were there for two weeks.

Alex y Virginia lo pasaron de maravilla en Italia. Estuvieron allá dos semanas.

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

a. eran

The pilgrims left for the New World because they were outcasts where they were living.

Los peregrinos partieron para el Nuevo Mundo porque eran marginados donde vivían.

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

a. estaban

They were mad because they weren't invited to the party.

Estaban enojados porque no los invitaron a la fiesta.