трябваше

In a sentence

• Трябваше да уча за изпита, но вместо това излязох с приятели.

  I had to study for the exam, but instead, I went out with friends.

  In this sentence, "трябваше" indicates a past obligation, something the speaker should have done.

• Тя каза, че трябваше да дойде по-рано.

  She said she should have come earlier.

  Here, "трябваше" expresses an unrealized action stating what was supposed to happen.

• Трябваше да потърся помощ, преди проблемът да стане сериозен.

  I should have sought help before the problem became serious.

  In this example, "трябваше" again shows past necessity or advice that is viewed in hindsight.