estaban sentados

were sitting

→ estar
phrase Rare #33,566
were sitting Used for a group of males or a mixed-gender group; the form changes for an all-female group.
SP: Cuando llegué, mis amigos estaban sentados en el jardín.
EN: When I arrived, my friends were sitting in the garden.

Estaban sentados alrededor de la mesa.

They were sitting around the table.

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.

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

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

Eso sin contar los que estaban sentados en el pasillo.

That doesn't include those sitting in the aisle.

— 色‧戒 (2007)

Tomás y María estaban sentados en el suelo.

Thomas and Mary were sitting on the ground.

Estaban sentados alrededor de la mesa jugando a las cartas.

They were sitting around the table playing cards.

Tom y María estaban sentados cuando entramos.

Tom and Maria were sitting down when we came in.

Algunos estudiantes estaban sentados en el banco y comiendo.

Some students were sitting on the bench and eating.

Mi padre y mi madre estaban sentados bajo un árbol.

My father and mother were sitting under a tree.