estado
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “estado” mean in English?
status, condition
status, condition (the particular condition something or someone is in; en buen/mal estado; estado civil)
Example sentences
El estado de las infraestructuras viarias en algunas provincias es tan deficiente que supone un riesgo.
The condition of road infrastructure in some provinces is so deficient that it poses a risk.
El gobierno declaró el estado de alarma para contener la propagación de la epidemia.
The government declared a state of alarm to contain the spread of the epidemic.
El estado civil de los empleados puede afectar a su tributación en determinados países.
Employees' marital status can affect their taxation in certain countries.
How to use it
El estado (noun, masculine) covers multiple B2 meanings: (1) condition or state (estado de salud/ánimo), (2) the State/government (el Estado), (3) a federal state (estado federado). Core collocations: en buen/mal estado; estado de alarma (state of alarm); estado civil (marital status); estado del bienestar (welfare state); el Estado de derecho. Context and capitalisation distinguish meanings.
Common mistake
El Estado (capital E) = the State/government; el estado (lowercase) = condition/state. Estado civil = marital status (not 'civic status'). Estado de ánimo = mood/emotional state. Estado del bienestar = welfare state. Don't confuse with estatus (borrowed English status — social standing).