Translation and Meaning of: 状態 - jyoutai

The Japanese word 状態[じょうたい] is a common term in everyday life and in formal contexts, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in the Japanese language, and what its cultural nuances are. If you are studying Japanese or are simply curious about the language, understanding 状態 can be useful for expanding your vocabulary and comprehension of communication in Japan.

In addition to the literal meaning, we will see how this word appears in different situations, from everyday conversations to more technical contexts. If you have used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you may have seen example sentences with 状態 – but here, we will dive into details that go beyond basic definitions.

The meaning and use of 状態 in Japanese

状態 is a word that can be translated as "condition," "state," or "situation." It is often used to describe the current state of something, whether it's an object, a person, or even a circumstance. For example, if someone says "パソコンの状態が悪い" (pasokon no jōtai ga warui), it means that the computer is in bad condition or has some issues.

The term also appears in more abstract contexts, such as discussions about health, climate, or performance. A doctor might ask "体の状態はどうですか？" (karada no jōtai wa dō desu ka?) to know how a patient's physical condition is. This versatility makes 状態 an essential word for those who want to communicate naturally in Japanese.

The origin and structure of 状態

状態 is composed of two kanji: 状 (jō), which means "form" or "appearance," and 態 (tai), which refers to "condition" or "state." Together, they form a word that conveys the idea of describing how something appears at a given moment. This combination is not random—it reflects the logic of the Japanese language in creating terms from radicals that reinforce their meaning.

It is worth noting that 状態 has no significant dialectal variations, being widely understood throughout Japan. However, in some informal contexts, Japanese people may use shorter expressions or slang to refer to a specific state, but 状態 remains the standard and safest form for general use.

Tips for memorizing and using 状態 correctly

An effective way to fix the meaning of 状態 is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of phrases like "機械の状態をチェックする" (kikai no jōtai o chekku suru), which means "check the state of the machine." This type of practical usage helps to internalize the word naturally. Another tip is to observe how 状態 appears in news, manuals, or even in animes and dramas, where the term is common in technical or descriptive dialogues.

Furthermore, it is important to note that 状態 should not be confused with words like 状況 (jōkyō), which refers more to a "situation" or "scenario" in a broader context. While 状態 describes the specific state of something, 状況 has a more contextual meaning. Understanding this difference can prevent misunderstandings when expressing oneself in Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 状況 (じょうきょう) - Situation, conditions in which something is found, often focusing on the context or current state.
• 状態 (じょうたい) - State, condition of something at a given moment, usually referring to characteristics or qualities.

状態

Romaji: jyoutai
Kana: じょうたい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: condition; situation; circumstances; state

Meaning in English: condition;situation;circumstances;state

Definition: something being in a certain form or state.

Example Sentences - (状態) jyoutai

See below some example sentences:

彼女の健康状態は衰える一方だ。

Kanojo no kenkō jōtai wa otoroeru ippō da

Your health condition is worsening.

Your health is about to decline.

• 彼女の - "her" - "from her/hers"
• 健康状態は - "kenkou joutai wa" - health condition is "health condition is"
• 衰える - "oshieru" - to teach declining
• 一方だ - "ippou da" - Only in Japanese more and more

この液体は飽和状態です。

Kono ekitai wa hōwa jōtai desu

This liquid is in a state of saturation.

This liquid is saturated.

• この - indicates that what follows refers to something close to the speaker, in this case, "this"
• 液体 - Noun meaning "liquid"
• は - particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case, "the liquid"
• 飽和状態 - compound noun meaning "state of saturation"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

真空は空気のない状態を指します。

Shinkuu wa kuuki no nai joutai wo shimeshimasu

Vacuum refers to a state without air.

• Input - - - Please provide data entry into the system.
• 真空 - - - Japanese word that means "vacuum".
• は - - - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 空気 - - - Japanese word that means "air".
• の - - - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship.
• ない - - - Japanese adjective that means "nonexistent".
• 状態 - - - Japanese word that means "state" or "condition".
• を - - - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 指します - - - Japanese verb that means "indicate" or "point".

この水の状態は良好です。

Kono mizu no jōtai wa ryōkō desu

The condition of this water is good.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 水 - Noun "water"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 状態 - noun "state"
• は - topic particle "は"
• 良好 - Good
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この状態は改善する必要があります。

Kono jōtai wa kaizen suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

This situation needs to be improved.

This condition must be improved.

• この状態 - "this condition" this situation
• は - wa- Topic particle
• 改善 - "kaizen" - improvement, enhancement
• する - "suru" - to do, to accomplish
• 必要 - "hitsuyou" - necessary
• が - ga - subject particle
• あります - "arimasu" - there is, there is