Learning to say “today was” in Spanish allows you to vividly recount your past experiences. Unlike English, Spanish offers several options depending on the context.
The most common way is using the preterite tense of “ser” (to be), which is “fue.” Combining “fue” with “hoy” (today) creates “Hoy fue…”, meaning “Today was…”. For example:
- Hoy fue bueno. (Today was good.)
- Hoy fue malo. (Today was bad.)
- Hoy fue interesante. (Today was interesting.)
“Ser” also describes permanent characteristics, like the weather:
- Hoy fue soleado. (Today was sunny.)
- Hoy fue lluvioso. (Today was rainy.)
Red Cross nurses demonstrating face masks during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.
To discuss events, use the preterite tense of “estar” (to be), which is “estuvo”:
- Hoy estuvo lleno de sorpresas. (Today was full of surprises.)
- Hoy estuvo muy ocupado. (Today was very busy.)
Choosing between “ser” and “estar” depends on whether you’re describing a characteristic or an event. This distinction is crucial for accurate communication.
Enhance your Spanish by using descriptive language. Instead of “Hoy fue bueno,” say “Hoy fue un día maravilloso” (Today was a wonderful day). Similarly, replace “Hoy estuvo ocupado” with “Hoy estuvo lleno de actividades” (Today was full of activities).
Understanding “ser” and “estar” nuances and expanding your vocabulary will improve your fluency. Practice using these phrases in different contexts to solidify your understanding.