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How to Say "states" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “states” is “afirma” — use this when someone is stating something as a fact or asserting its truth, similar to 'affirms' or 'claims'..

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afirma

verbA2
Use this when someone is stating something as a fact or asserting its truth, similar to 'affirms' or 'claims'.

Examples

El científico afirma que el clima está cambiando.

The scientist states that the climate is changing.

verbA2formal
Use this for more formal reporting or when someone confidently asserts something, implying a guarantee or assurance.

Examples

Ella asegura que no sabe nada del problema.

She claims that she knows nothing about the problem.

estados

es-TAH-dos/esˈtaðos/

nounA2
This is the direct translation for political or territorial divisions within a country, like US 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?).

verbB1formal
Use this for official announcements or formal pronouncements made by authorities, like declaring a holiday.

Examples

El gobierno declara el lunes como día festivo.

The government declares Monday as a holiday.

naciones

nah-see-OH-ness/naˈsiones/

nounB1formal
This refers to countries or large political entities, especially in international contexts.
A row of four distinct, brightly colored, geometric flags flying side-by-side on flagpoles against a clear blue sky, symbolizing multiple sovereign entities.

Examples

Las naciones del mundo deben cooperar en este tema.

The nations of the world must cooperate on this issue.

Viajar entre naciones requiere un pasaporte.

Traveling between nations requires a passport.

Históricamente, muchas naciones han tenido conflictos territoriales.

Historically, many nations have had territorial conflicts.

Feminine Plural

'Naciones' is the plural form of the feminine word 'nación'. Therefore, you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as 'las naciones' (the nations) or 'naciones grandes' (big nations).

Mixing Singular and Plural

Mistake: “La naciones”

Correction: Since 'naciones' is plural, you must use the plural article 'las': 'Las naciones'.

Forgetting the Accent (Singular)

Mistake: “Esa nacion es rica.”

Correction: The singular form is 'nación' with an accent on the 'o' to maintain the stress: 'Esa nación es rica.' The plural 'naciones' does not need the accent.

reza

verbB2formal
This is used specifically when quoting the exact text from formal documents, signs, or laws, meaning 'reads'.

Examples

El cartel reza: 'No pasar'.

The sign reads: 'Do not enter'.

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

The most common mistake is confusing the verb forms (afirma, asegura, declara) with the noun form 'estados'. Remember 'estados' refers to political divisions, while the verbs are used for stating or declaring something.

Related Translations

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