estaban jugando

they were playing

→ estar
phrase Rare #41,185
they were playing Describes an action that was in progress in the past.
SP: Los niños estaban jugando en el jardín.
EN: The children were playing in the yard.

Estaban jugando en el parque cuando empezó a llover de golpe.

They were playing in the park when it suddenly started to rain.

Estaban jugando al béisbol en el parque.

They were playing baseball in the park.

Tres niños estaban jugando en el parque.

Three children were playing in the park.

Un grupo de niños estaban jugando.

A group of children were playing.

Estaban jugando con las almohadas.

They were playing with the pillows.

Pues sólo estaban jugando.

Well, they were just playing.

— El orfanato (2007)

Sólo estaban jugando.

They were just playing.