ero
The English phrase "I was" is translated into Italian as ero.
ero is used to describe a state, condition or background situation in the past. If you wish to add a more descriptive emphasis when discussing your circumstances or locations, you can also use mi trovavo.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between using ero and the form sono stato. While ero describes an ongoing state or background in the past, sono stato is used for a completed action or a specific event that occurred in the past.
How does it change in a sentence?
ero is the first-person singular imperfect indicative of the verb essere (to be).
Did you know?
- When describing your age in the past, such as 'I was ten years old', you must use avevo, which literally means 'I had'.
- The phrase mi trovavo literally translates to 'I found myself', yet it is commonly used to simply mean 'I was' at a certain place.
- In Italian, the verb essere (to be) is used as an auxiliary verb for many movements, meaning you would use a form of 'to be' to say 'I was going' or 'I was arriving'.
Examples in context
- Io ero a casa.I was at home.This sentence shows how to use ero to describe being at a location.Tatoeba #3184805 by Guybrush88, translation #1300804 by CK
- Io ero da solo.I was alone.This sentence uses ero to describe a state of being alone.Tatoeba #2209040 by Guybrush88, translation #2208338 by CK
- Io ero in casa.I was in the house.This sentence uses ero to describe being inside a house.Tatoeba #2565935 by Guybrush88, translation #2548845 by CK
- Ero molto felice di incontrarla.I was very happy to meet you.
- Sono stato a Roma per una settimana.I was in Rome for a week.
- Mi trovavo in montagna quando ha iniziato a nevicare.I was in the mountains when it started snowing.
- Ero nella pizzeria ieri sera.I was in the pizzeria last night.
- Stavo guardando un film quando hai chiamato.I was watching a movie when you called.
- 3279 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are talking about their childhood.
- GiuliaIo ero molto timida da piccola.I was very shy when I was little.
- FrancescoDavvero? Io ero molto vivace.Really? I was very lively.
- GiuliaSì, ero sempre molto silenziosa.Yes, I was always very quiet.
- FrancescoInvece io ero sempre in movimento.On the other hand, I was always on the move.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
