What is estuve vs estaba?

Estuve and estaba are both forms of the verb "estar" in the past tense, but they have different uses and meanings.

"Estuve" is the past tense of "estar" in its simple form. It is used to describe a specific action that happened in the past and is now finished. For example: "Estuve en la fiesta el sábado pasado" (I was at the party last Saturday).

"Estaba" is the past imperfect tense of "estar". It is used to describe a past situation that was ongoing or repeated. For example: "Cuando llegué, mi amigo estaba leyendo un libro" (When I arrived, my friend was reading a book).

In summary, "estuve" is used for a specific past action, while "estaba" is used for a more general past situation.