estava

Estava is the imperfect indicative form of the Portuguese verb estar (to be). It denotes a state or condition that was ongoing or habitual in the past and is used to describe scenes, backgrounds, or repeated past actions. The form can correspond to eu estava, ele/ela estava, or você estava, depending on the pronoun context.

Usage and grammar. The imperfect tense, including estavA, contrasts with the preterite for completed past actions (e.g., fiquei) and with the imperfect of ser (era) for habitual or enduring characteristics. Estava is commonly used to describe how someone or something was at a past moment, or to set a scene: “Ela estava cansada,” “O céu estava nublado.” It can also express ongoing actions in the past, as in “Ele estava estudando quando a campainha tocou.” In European Portuguese, past progressive forms can also appear as “estava a ler,” meaning “was reading,” though the simple “estava lendo” is widely understood.

Examples.

- Eu estava cansado quando cheguei.

- Ela estava lendo e ele chegou.

- Você estava no parque ontem?

Etymology and related forms. Estava derives from the verb estar, which in Romance languages traces back to Latin through various developments. It forms part of a broader contrast between estar (temporary states) and ser (essential characteristics). Cognate forms appear in other languages, such as Spanish estaba and Italian stava, reflecting the shared Romance heritage.

See also. Estar (Portuguese verb); Imperfect (grammar).

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