JLPT N3 Vocabulary – Difference between “状態” and “状況”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “状態” and “状況“
2. 状態
3. 状況
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: I don’t quite understand the difference between “状態” and “状況.”
A: In business and daily conversations, “状態” and “状況” are similar in meaning but have different uses.
This article provides a detailed explanation of their meanings and how to use them correctly.
状態 (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
Describes the current condition or characteristics of the subject itself.
Focuses on internal and static properties, often indicating a fixed state regardless of the passage of time.
[Usage]
・Physical characteristics (e.g., new, old, broken)
・Emotions and health (e.g., feeling good, in a state of illness)
・Environment and conditions (e.g., road conditions, climate conditions)
*Primarily expresses the characteristics or current state of the subject itself, without including surrounding environmental factors.
[Examples]
この車は中古ですが、とても状態がいいです。
This car is second-hand, but it is in very good condition.
祖父は入院していて、危険な状態です。
My grandfather is hospitalized and in critical condition.
この寺は古いですが、完全な状態で残っています。
This temple is old, but it remains in perfect condition.
Review the difference between
“状態” and “条件” in this article
状況 (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
Describes changes in society or events, as well as the overall situation or atmosphere of a specific scene.
Includes elements that change over time and is used to explain a subject along with its surrounding environment and background.
[Usage]
・Changes in the economy or fluctuations in a company’s performance
・Detailed descriptions of incidents or accidents
・Overall atmosphere including people and places (e.g., event conditions, on-site situation)
*Expresses a broader perspective, not just focusing on a specific object but also including its surroundings.
[Examples]
この国の経済の状況は悲惨なものです。
The economic situation of this country is disastrous.
あのときの事故の状況はひどいものでした。
The situation of the accident at that time was terrible.
この道の状況では東京に着くのは夜になりそうです。
With the current road conditions, it seems we will arrive in Tokyo at night.
Let’s Compare
Now, let’s look at the following example sentences and consider the differences between them.
[Examples]
Q：事故にあったときの状態を教えてください。
A：車のガラスが割れてしまいました。
Q: Could you tell me the condition of the car when the accident happened?
A: The car’s glass was broken.
⇒ Since “状態” is being asked, the response describes the state of the car itself.
[Examples]
Q：事故にあったときの状況を教えてください。
A：急に車がすごいスピードで来て、わたしも周りの人も驚いて逃げました。
Q: Could you tell me the situation when the accident happened?
A: A car suddenly came at a very high speed, and both I and the people around me were startled and ran away.
⇒ Since “状況” is being asked, the response describes the overall scene when the accident occurred.
In this way, “状態” refers to the condition of an object itself, while “状況” refers to the entire situation, including the surroundings.
Summary
[状態]
- Expresses the current condition of the subject itself.
- Used for physical characteristics, emotions, health, and environment.
- Focuses on internal and static properties.
[状況]
- Describes changes in society or events, and the overall situation or atmosphere of a specific scene.
- Includes elements that change over time.
- Used to explain a subject along with its surrounding situation and background.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 状態
父の健康状態がよくないので心配です。
I am worried because my father’s health condition is not good.
*Since it refers to “health,” “状態” is the correct choice.
A. 状態
京都では古い建物がいい状態で残されています。
In Kyoto, old buildings have been preserved in good condition.
*Since it refers to “buildings,” “状態” is the correct choice.
A. 状況
授業で社会の状況について話をしました。
We talked about the state of society in class.
*Since it refers to “society as a whole,” “状況” is the correct choice.
A. 状況
警察に事故の状況を詳しく伝えました。
I provided the police with a detailed account of the accident situation.
*Since it describes the entire “accident,” “状況” is the correct choice.
Similar Articles
▼ Subscribe to Our Newsletter ▼
Get free tips for learning Japanese!
