Inklingo

How to Say "conditions" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “conditions” is “condiciones” — use 'condiciones' when referring to the state of things, the environment, or the circumstances surrounding an event or situation..

English → Spanish

condiciones

kon-dee-SYOH-nes/kon.diˈθjo.nes/ (Spain), /kon.diˈsjo.nes/ (Latin America)

nounB1general
Use 'condiciones' when referring to the state of things, the environment, or the circumstances surrounding an event or situation.
A smiling figure wearing a raincoat standing happily under a bright yellow umbrella while large blue raindrops fall heavily around them.

Examples

Las condiciones climáticas eran perfectas para navegar.

The weather conditions were perfect for sailing.

Viven en muy malas condiciones.

They live in very poor conditions (circumstances).

El atleta no está en condiciones de competir hoy.

The athlete is not in condition (fit) to compete today.

Describing the Environment

When talking about the state of the weather, health, or a situation, 'condiciones' usually follows an adjective (buenas, malas, excelentes).

circunstancias

/seer-koon-STAhn-seeahs//θiɾkunsˈtanθjas/

nounB1general
Use 'circunstancias' to talk about the surrounding facts, events, or situations that influence what happens.
A small cartoon figure stands on a path, surrounded by contrasting environmental elements: a bright sun above, a dark rain cloud, a smooth bridge leading forward, and a large boulder blocking a side path. These elements symbolize the various conditions affecting the figure.

Examples

Dadas las circunstancias, tuvimos que cancelar el viaje.

Given the circumstances, we had to cancel the trip.

No puedo ayudarte en estas circunstancias.

I cannot help you under these conditions.

Bajo ninguna circunstancia debes abrir esa puerta.

Under no circumstances should you open that door.

Always Plural

Even when referring to a single situation, Spanish often uses the plural form 'circunstancias' when talking about the general conditions surrounding an event.

Confusing Singular/Plural

Mistake: “Using the singular 'circunstancia' when a fixed phrase calls for the plural, e.g., 'Bajo esta circunstancia.'”

Correction: Always use the plural in common fixed phrases: 'Bajo estas circunstancias' (Under these circumstances).

estados

es-TAH-dos/esˈtaðos/

nounA2general
Use 'estados' to refer to specific geographical regions or political divisions within a country, or to describe physical/emotional states.
A colorful, stylized storybook illustration depicting three distinct, puzzle-piece like land shapes, each colored differently (such as red, blue, and yellow) and clearly bordered, symbolizing political states or territorial divisions.

Examples

Viajé por tres estados diferentes el mes pasado.

I traveled through three different states last month.

Los estados del agua son sólido, líquido y gaseoso.

The states of water are solid, liquid, and gas.

Revisé los estados financieros de la empresa.

I reviewed the company's financial statements.

Always Plural

This form 'estados' is the plural of 'estado'. It refers to multiple political regions or multiple conditions. To talk about just one, use 'estado'.

Using 'estados' as a Verb

Mistake: “Using 'estados' instead of 'estás' (you are) or 'están' (they are).”

Correction: 'Estados' is only a noun. Use 'estás' when talking to one friend, or 'están' when talking about a group of people: '¿Cómo están?' (How are they?).

nounB2formal
Use 'términos' (often in the phrase 'términos y condiciones') when referring to the specific rules, requirements, or stipulations of an agreement or contract.

Examples

Lee cuidadosamente los términos y condiciones antes de firmar.

Read the terms and conditions carefully before signing.

Conditions vs. Circumstances

Learners often confuse 'condiciones' and 'circunstancias'. Remember that 'condiciones' usually refers to the state of the environment or things, while 'circunstancias' focuses on the surrounding events or situations influencing an outcome.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.