were
Todo el tiempo se estaban disparando.
They were shooting at each other all the time.
— Uno de los nuestros (1990)
Se estaban quemando las yemas de los dedos con lejía.
The tips of their fingers were getting burned by bleach.
— El club de la lucha (1999)
They were laughing at me.
Los pájaros se estaban comiendo sus pensamientos y recuerdos.
The birds were eating his thoughts and memories.
They were getting dressed.
They were having fun.
Se estaban yendo, cuando nos oyeron.
They were leaving when they heard us.
Dos hombres se estaban peleando en la calle.
Two men were fighting in the street.