Habíase (en. There was)

/aβiˈase/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
Form of the verb haber in the preterite, indicating existence or condition.
It had been said that the king would return soon.
Habíase dicho que el rey regresaría pronto.
Used in ancient narratives or tales to indicate a completed action.
A treasure had been found in those lands.
Habíase encontrado un tesoro en aquellas tierras.
Literary use in old Spanish, often in formal contexts.
The golden opportunity had been missed.
Habíase perdido la oportunidad de oro.

Etymology

From Latin 'habēre', meaning to have, to possess.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Once upon a time
Expression used to begin a tale or story, similar to 'Once upon a time.'
Habíase una vez
Had approached
Reference to someone who has been getting closer or intruding into a situation.
Habíase aproximado
Had been rehearsed
Indicates that there was a prior attempt before an event or performance.
Habíase ensayado

Related Words

inhabit
To have a place of residence or to be present in a location.
habitar
have
Auxiliary verb that indicates existence or possession.
haber
room
Enclosed space that serves as a home or lodging.
habitación

Slang Meanings

Refers in an exaggerated way to things that no longer exist or are from the past.
In those days of yore, everything was happy, or at least, that was how it had been said.
En esos días de antes, todo era feliz, o al menos, así lo habíase dicho.