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estaban hablando

were talking

→ estar
phrase Rare #34,030
were talking Imperfect progressive form; used for an action in progress in the past.
SP: Estaban hablando cuando llegué.
EN: They were talking when I arrived.

Estaban hablando en voz baja para no despertar al bebé.

They were speaking in low voices so as not to wake the baby.

Sí, ellos estaban hablando de un abrigo y una canción y ahora la he perdido.

Yes, they were talking about a coat and a song, and now I've lost it.

— La canción del mar (2014)

Estaban hablando de Mc Intosh y Peter, ¿verdad?

They were talking about McIntosh and Peter, right?

— La gran juerga (1966)

Estaban hablando en el vagón observatorio.

They were talking in the observation car.

— Perdición (1944)

Estaban hablando con acertijos.

They were speaking in riddles.

No entendí mucho de lo que estaban hablando.

I didn’t understand much of what they were talking about.

Estaban hablando en código.

They were speaking in code.

Tom y Mary estaban hablando en francés cuando John entró a la habitación.

Tom and Mary were speaking in French when John entered the room.