ellos usaban

used (to use), were using

u ˈs a b a n → usar

us use + aban 3rd-person plural imperfect (indicative or subjunctive)

verb · third plural · imperfect indicative Rare #36,376

used (to use), were using Imperfect tense (ellos/ellas/ustedes). It can mean a habitual past action (“used to”) or an ongoing past action (“were using”).

SP: Antes usaban el coche para ir al trabajo.

EN: Before, they used the car to go to work.

Conjugation of usar

usar usarlo usarla usarlos usarse

Indicative imperfect

	Singular	Plural
First	usaba	—
Third	usaba	usaban

Subjunctive imperfect

	Singular	Plural
First	usaba	—
Third	usaba	usaban

Antes, los políticos usaban el sistema para ganar dinero.

Previously, politicians used the system to make money.

— Tropa de élite 2 (2010)

Sólo la usaban en las bodas.

They only used it at weddings.

— El castillo en el cielo (1986)

Estos químicos se usaban para hacer tacones de zapato.

These chemicals were used to make shoe heels.

Los magos las usaban cuando yo era joven.

Wizards used them when I was young.

Usaban a la niña como traficante.

They used the girl as a drug runner.

— El hombre sin pasado (2010)

Yo no sabía que usaban la puerta de atrás.

I didn't know they used the back door.

— Un profeta (2009)

Quizá las orquídeas usaban toda el agua disponible.

Maybe the orchids used all the available water.