This is the 9282nd most frequent Russian word.
стали
The Russian word "стали" means "became" (past tense, plural) or "steel" (genitive singular or nominative plural), depending on context.
Here, 'стали' is used as the past tense of the verb 'становиться,' meaning 'to become.' It indicates a transition or transformation from one state to another.
Они стали взрослыми.
They became adults.
In this sentence, 'стали' refers to 'steel,' the material, demonstrating its usage as a noun in the genitive singular form.
Заводы производят много стали каждый год.
Factories produce a lot of steel every year.
'Стали' here is used as the past tense of the verb 'стать,' meaning 'to start' combined with an infinitive verb, showing the beginning of an action.