GENERAL INFO

"Étais" is the imperfect tense conjugation of the verb *être* (to be) for "je" (I) and "tu" (you, singular informal).

It translates to "was" or "used to be."

USAGE

It's used to describe ongoing states, habits, or recurring actions in the past.

For example: "Quand j'étais enfant..." (When I was a child...), "Tu étais toujours en retard." (You were always late.)

TRAPS

Do not confuse "j'étais" (I was, imperfect, describing ongoing state) with "j'ai été" (I was/have been, passé composé, describing a completed action).