बैठे थे

were sitting

→ बैठना

phrase Rare #10,241

were sitting Used for a group or for one person addressed or referred to respectfully. In some contexts, it can also suggest that someone had settled into or was remaining in a situation.

HI: मेरे दोस्त बाहर बैठे थे।

EN: My friends were sitting outside.

और मायूस होकर बारिश में बैठे थे।

And they sat in the rain, feeling disappointed.

— Ajeeb Daastaans (2021)

मेरी मेज़ पर ख़ान ख़ानसन भी मेरे साथ बैठे थे।

Khan Khansan was sitting with me at my table too.

सर, दीप के पापा भी एकदम यहीं बैठे थे जहाँ आप बैठे हुए हैं।

Sir, Deep’s father was sitting right here, exactly where you’re sitting.

— 12th Fail (2023)