were
word · lemma: be
/ˈwɝ/
wur
/wˈɜː/
wur
Definition
The past tense of 'be' used with you, we, they, and plural nouns. It indicates a state or condition in the past.
Usage & Nuances
Used only in past simple tense for plural subjects and 'you'. Not used with singular subjects he, she, or it—those use 'was'. Common in questions and conditionals ('If I were you'). Formal and informal contexts.
Spanish: eran - estabanPortuguese (BR): eram - estavamPortuguese (PT): eram - estavamChinese (Simplified): 是 - 有Chinese (Traditional): 是 - 有Hindi: थेArabic: كانواBengali: ছিলেন - ছিলে - ছিলাম - ছিলRussian: былиJapanese: だった - いました - いました（いる・いることがあった場合）Vietnamese: đã là - đã ở - đã (dùng cho chủ ngữ số nhiều hoặc 'bạn')Korean: 이었다 - 있었다 - 였다Turkish: -di/-dı/-du/-dü (çoğul veya 'sen' ile) - bulunuyorduUrdu: تھے - تھیں - تھا (جمع یا 'آپ' کے لیے)Indonesian: adalah - berada - pernah (untuk subjek jamak dan 'kamu')
Example Sentences
You were very kind yesterday.
basic
They were at the park this morning.
basic
We were happy with the results.
basic
You were joking, right? I didn’t believe you!
natural
They were having dinner when I called.
natural
If I were you, I would take the job.
natural