estado
“estado” means “state” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
state, condition
Also: status, shape
📝 In Action
El coche está en muy buen estado.
A2The car is in very good condition.
Mi estado de ánimo cambia con el clima.
B1My state of mind (mood) changes with the weather.
¿Cuál es tu estado civil, soltero o casado?
B1What is your marital status, single or married?
state
Also: government
📝 In Action
Los Estados Unidos tienen cincuenta estados.
A2The United States has fifty states.
El jefe de Estado dará un discurso mañana.
B1The head of state will give a speech tomorrow.
Es una escuela del Estado.
B2It's a state school (run by the government).
been
📝 In Action
He estado muy ocupado hoy.
A2I have been very busy today.
¿Has estado alguna vez en Madrid?
A2Have you ever been to Madrid?
Habíamos estado esperando por una hora.
B1We had been waiting for an hour.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: estado
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'estado' to mean 'condition'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'status', which means 'state, condition, or position'. 'Status' itself is from the verb 'stare', which means 'to stand'. You can see the connection: your 'state' is how you currently 'stand' on an issue or in life.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'estado' and 'sido'? They both mean 'been'!
Great question! It comes down to the difference between the verbs 'ser' and 'estar'. Use 'estado' (from 'estar') for temporary conditions, locations, and feelings. For example, 'He estado enfermo' (I have been sick). Use 'sido' (from 'ser') for identity, profession, or inherent characteristics. For example, 'Siempre he sido una persona honesta' (I have always been an honest person).
Can I say 'la estada' for a feminine noun?
No, when 'estado' is used as the past participle with 'haber' (like in 'he estado'), it never changes. It's always 'estado', regardless of gender or number. However, as a noun meaning 'condition' or 'state', it's always masculine: 'el estado'.
Is 'Estados Unidos' plural because it's many states?
Exactly! 'Estados Unidos' literally translates to 'United States'. 'Estados' is the plural form of the noun 'estado'. This is a great example of 'estado' meaning a political region.