estado
/es-TAH-doh/
The word 'estado' can describe the condition of something, like whether this bike is in a new 'estado' or an old 'estado'.
estado (Noun)
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even when you're talking about something that is a feminine word (like 'la casa'), its condition is 'el estado'. For example: 'el estado de la casa' (the state of the house).
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing How Things Are
This is your go-to word for talking about the condition of almost anything: a person's health, a used item for sale, or your own mood.
'Estado' can also mean a country or a state, like the different 'estados' that make up the United States.
estado (Noun)
📝 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).
💡 Grammar Points
When to Capitalize 'Estado'
When 'Estado' refers to the government or the political institution itself, it's often capitalized, like a proper name. For example: 'El Estado debe proteger a sus ciudadanos' (The State must protect its citizens).
⭐ Usage Tips
Country vs. Province
Just like in English, 'estado' can mean a whole country ('un Estado soberano') or a smaller part of a federal country, like a state in the USA, Mexico, or Brazil.
As part of the verb 'estar', 'estado' helps talk about things you *have been*, like 'he estado en la playa' (I have been to the beach).
estado (Past Participle)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Building the 'Have Been' Tense
To say you 'have been', 'has been', etc., you combine a form of the helper verb 'haber' with 'estado'. For example: 'yo he estado', 'ella ha estado'.
'Estado' Never Changes
When used this way, 'estado' always ends in '-o'. It doesn't matter if you're talking about a man, a woman, or a group of people. It's always 'han estado', never 'han estados' or 'han estada'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Estado' vs. 'Sido'
Mistake: "Using 'estado' for permanent characteristics. 'He estado un buen estudiante.'"
Correction: Use 'sido' (from 'ser') for permanent traits or identity: 'He sido un buen estudiante' (I have been a good student). Use 'estado' for conditions, locations, and feelings: 'He estado en la biblioteca' (I have been in the library).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estado
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'estado' to mean 'condition'?
📚 More Resources
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.