estaban sentados

were sitting

→ estar
phrase Rare #27,122
were sitting Use this for people who were in a seated position. It can also mean 'were seated' depending on context.
SP: Mis amigos estaban sentados en la sala.
EN: My friends were sitting in the living room.

Eso sin contar los que estaban sentados en el pasillo.

That doesn't include those sitting in the aisle.

— Deseo, peligro (2007)

Los niños estaban sentados en línea, viendo la televisión.

The children were sitting in a line, watching television.

Estaban sentados en la terraza disfrutando del atardecer.

They were sitting on the terrace enjoying the sunset.

Tomás y María estaban sentados en el suelo.

Thomas and Mary were sitting on the ground.

Algunos estudiantes estaban sentados en el banco y comiendo.

Some students were sitting on the bench and eating.

Estaban sentados alrededor de la mesa.

They were sitting around the table.

Mi padre y mi madre estaban sentados bajo un árbol.

My father and mother were sitting under a tree.

Tom y María estaban sentados cuando entramos.

Tom and Maria were sitting down when we came in.

Tom y Mary estaban sentados de piernas cruzadas en el piso.

Tom and Mary were sitting cross-legged on the floor.

Ellos estaban sentados en el sofá de nuestro salón.

They were sitting on the sofa in our living room.

Estaban sentados alrededor de la mesa jugando a las cartas.

They were sitting around the table playing cards.