状態
jōtai[d͡ʑo̞ːta̠i]
The Japanese word for 'state' is 状態 (jōtai).
状態 refers to a condition, a state of being or a specific physiological or mental state. It is commonly used in medical or psychological contexts, such as describing an unconscious state.
Meaning: political entity (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 状態 refers to a condition or a state of being, the word 国家 is used specifically when you mean a political state or a nation. If you wish to describe a formal state or situation, you may use 状況 instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 状態 as an adjective to describe a noun, you must add the particle の to form 状態の.
How do you pronounce it?
jōtai
Did you know?
- While 状態 describes a condition, the word for a political state 国家 contains the character 家, which usually means 'house' or 'family'. This reflects an ancient view of the state as a great household.
- The term 状態 is frequently used in Japanese gaming and RPGs to describe 'status effects', such as being poisoned or asleep, which are called 状態異常 or 'abnormal states'.
- When describing a 'state of mind', Japanese speakers often use 精神状態. The word 精神 means 'spirit' or 'psyche', blending the physiological 'state' with a spiritual component.
Examples in context
- 幸せは心の状態だ。Happiness is a state of mind.This sentence shows how to describe a state of mind using 状態.Tatoeba #10906862 by SomeHungryBois, translation #10501783 by CK
- 家も庭もひどい状態だ。Both the house and the garden are in a bad state.This sentence uses 状態 to describe the condition of a house and garden.Tatoeba #11136724 by small_snow, translation #9139958 by sundown
- その国は当時無政府状態だった。The country was in a state of anarchy at that time.This sentence uses 状態 to describe a state of anarchy.Tatoeba #210577 by KK_kaku_, translation #47848 by CK
- 物体の状態State of an object
- 国家の状態State of a nation
- 経済状況Economic state
- 社会状況Social state
- 体のコンディションは大丈夫？How's your physical condition?
- 精神的なコンディションが悪いIn a bad mental state
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are discussing a current news report about a country.
- 蓮 Renあの国は今、非常状態にあるみたいだね。Ano kuni wa ima, hijō jōtai ni aru mitai da ne.It seems that country is currently in a state of emergency.
- 結衣 Yuiニュースで見たよ。とても大変な状態だね。Nyūsu de mita yo. Totemo taihen na jōtai da ne.I saw it on the news. It's a very difficult state.
- 蓮 Ren平和な状態に戻ってほしいよ。Heiwa na jōtai ni modotte hoshii yo.I hope it returns to a peaceful state.
- 結衣 Yui本当にそうだね。早く解決してほしい。Hontō ni sō da ne. Hayaku kaiketsu shite hoshii.I really agree. I hope it gets resolved soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 状態, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
