state
state — 名詞
- statesingular
- statesplural
1. The particular physical or emotional way someone or something is at a given mome
狀態；狀況
人或物在某個時刻的狀況
The particular physical or emotional way someone or something is at a given moment.
After the long flight, Chidi was in such a tired state that he fell asleep at the dinner table.
Chidi 經過長途飛行後疲憊不堪，在晚餐桌上就睡著了。
in a [adjective] state — describing a person's condition
The old house had been empty for years and was in a terrible state of decay.
那棟老房子空置多年，已經破敗不堪。
in a state of [noun] — describing a thing's condition
Doctors described her mental state as stable and improving after the surgery.
醫生表示她手術後的精神狀態穩定，並且持續好轉中。
The government declared a state of emergency after the floods destroyed thousands of homes.
洪水摧毀了數千棟房屋後，政府宣布進入緊急狀態。
state of emergency — fixed collocation
Elena found her grandmother in a confused state, unable to remember the day of the week.
Elena 發現祖母處於混亂狀態，連今天是星期幾都記不起來。
- state of mind
- state of health
- state of emergency
- mental state
- physical state
- in a state
- condition
more general, used for physical objects and people equally
- situation
focuses on broader circumstances rather than personal condition
- circumstances
more formal, emphasizes external factors
文法句型
in a state of [something]
state of [noun]
[adjective] state
用法筆記
Common in the pattern 'in a [adjective] state' or 'in a state of [noun]'. The adjective often describes strong emotions or physical disrepair.
常見錯誤
2. The general situation or set of circumstances at a particular time, especially t
情況；局勢
目前或某階段的整體情勢
The general situation or set of circumstances at a particular time, especially the current one.
The finance minister gave a report on the current state of the national economy.
財政部長針對國家經濟的現狀提出了報告。
the state of [something] — describing a situation
Asher asked his lawyer to explain the state of his case before the trial began.
Asher 在開庭前請律師說明案件的進展情況。
The head teacher was unhappy with the present state of discipline at the school.
校長對目前學校的紀律狀況感到不滿。
Negotiators discussed the state of the peace talks and agreed to meet again next month.
談判代表討論了和平會談的進展，並同意下個月再次見面。
the state of [ongoing process]
- state of affairs
- state of the economy
- current state
- present state
- state of play
文法句型
the state of [something]
state of affairs
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (CONDITION), this sense focuses on the progress or status of an ongoing situation or process, not on a person's physical or emotional condition.
常見錯誤
3. A nation that operates under its own government and controls a specific territor
國家
有獨立政府的政治共同體
A nation that operates under its own government and controls a specific territory.
France has been a unified state for centuries, with Paris as its capital.
數個世紀以來，法國一直是一個統一的國家，以巴黎為首都。
The conference brought together leaders from every member state of the European Union.
那場會議聚集了歐盟各成員國的領導人。
member state — a country that belongs to an international organization
A separate Palestinian state has been a goal of peace negotiations for decades.
建立獨立的巴勒斯坦國數十年來一直是和平談判的目標。
Nellie wrote her thesis on how small island states handle the effects of climate change.
Nellie 的論文探討小型島國如何應對氣候變遷的影響。
- member state
- sovereign state
- nation state
- independent state
- state government
文法句型
a state
the State
member state
state-run
用法筆記
Often capitalized (State) when referring to a specific country as a political entity. Frequently found in international relations and political discourse.
常見錯誤
❌ 'New York is a state in the USA' — this is actually correct for sense 5 (REGION), not sense 3. The US is one state (nation) made up of multiple states (regions).
4. The political system or group of institutions that governs a country and makes d
政府；政權
治理國家的機構體系
The political system or group of institutions that governs a country and makes decisions on behalf of its people.
In many countries, the state provides free education to all children up to age sixteen.
在許多國家，政府為所有十六歲以下的兒童提供免費教育。
the state provides — government as service provider
Sofie believes the state should do more to support families with young children.
Sofie 認為政府應該為有幼兒的家庭提供更多支援。
Separation of church and state means the government does not support any religion.
政教分離意味著政府不支持任何宗教。
church and state — fixed idiom
The state has the power to collect taxes and spend money on public services like roads and hospitals.
政府有權徵稅，並將資金用於道路、醫院等公共服務。
- state control
- state intervention
- church and state
- state funding
- state-owned
- state school
- government
more specific to the ruling body at a given time
- administration
focuses on the executive branch in power
- authorities
plural, refers to the people and agencies who enforce laws
文法句型
the State
state control
state intervention
用法筆記
Often capitalized (the State) in formal writing. Distinguish from sense 3 (COUNTRY): sense 4 refers to the governing apparatus, not the territory or population.
常見錯誤
5. One of the divisions of a federal country, such as the United States, India, or
州；邦
聯邦國家內的行政區
One of the divisions of a federal country, such as the United States, India, or Germany, that has its own local government.
Dylan moved from New York State to California for the warmer weather and job opportunities.
Dylan 為了更溫暖的天氣和就業機會，從紐約州搬到加州。
Each state in the US has its own flag, laws, and system of public schools.
美國每個州都有自己的旗幟、法律和公立學校系統。
The state government of Texas announced new plans to improve highways across the region.
德州政府宣布了改善全州高速公路的新計劃。
state government — the government of one region within a federal country
Eri traveled across five different states during her summer road trip through the Midwest.
Eri 在中西部夏季公路旅行中，穿越了五個不同的州。
- state line
- state government
- state law
- state park
- across the state
- state capital
文法句型
[name] State
the state of [name]
用法筆記
Capitalized when part of a proper name (New York State, the State of Florida). Not all countries use 'state' for internal divisions — the UK has 'nations', Canada has 'provinces'.
常見錯誤
6. An informal way of talking about the US in everyday conversation.
美國
美國的簡稱（非正式）
An informal way of talking about the US in everyday conversation.
Mert is planning to move back to the States after finishing his degree in London.
Mert 計劃在倫敦完成學位後搬回美國。
the States — informal name for the USA
When I travel abroad, people often ask me what life is like in the States.
我出國旅遊時，常有人問我在美國的生活是什麼樣子。
The company exports most of its products to Japan and the States.
該公司大部分的產品出口到日本和美國。
Shirin met her husband while they were both studying in the States years ago.
Shirin 多年前在美國留學時認識了她的丈夫。
- the States
- back in the States
- move to the States
文法句型
the States
the States (informal)
用法筆記
Always used with 'the' (the States). Informal — not suitable for formal writing. In formal contexts, use 'the United States' or 'the US'.
常見錯誤
7. A formal, dignified ceremony or display of official grandeur, especially one inv
隆重儀式
國家元首或王室參與的正式典禮
A formal, dignified ceremony or display of official grandeur, especially one involving a monarch or head of government.
The queen traveled in state through the streets of the capital in a golden carriage.
女王乘坐金色馬車隆重地穿過首都的街道。
in state — with full formal ceremony
The president's body lay in state at the parliament building so citizens could pay their respects.
總統的遺體停放在國會大廈供民眾瞻仰致意。
lie in state — fixed phrase for a deceased leader honored publicly
Ambassadors from fifty nations attended the state banquet at the royal palace.
來自五十個國家的大使出席了皇宮的國宴。
The king arrived in state for the opening of parliament, wearing his ceremonial robes.
國王身著禮服隆重抵達，為國會開幕式揭開序幕。
- in state
- lie in state
- state banquet
- state funeral
- state occasion
文法句型
in state
state occasion
用法筆記
Almost always appears in fixed phrases: 'in state' (with ceremony), 'lie in state' (of a dead leader), or as a modifier before nouns like 'banquet', 'dinner', 'funeral'.
常見錯誤
To become very worried, upset, or nervous about something.
陷入焦慮狀態
Mia was in a real state before her job interview.
Don't get into a state about the test; you studied hard.
in a state of grace
idiomIn Roman Catholic belief, having been forgiven by God for your sins.
處於恩寵狀態
Father Murphy said the old man died in a state of grace.
She went to confession to be in a state of grace.
a state of affairs
idiomA particular situation or set of circumstances.
事態
This state of affairs cannot continue without consequences.
The current state of affairs in the office is chaotic.
the state of play
idiomThe current stage or progress of an ongoing process or activity.
當前進展
What is the state of play in the construction project?
The manager updated us on the state of play in the negotiations.
state — 動詞
- statepresent simple I / you / we / they
- states3rd person singular
- stating-ing form
- statedpast simple
1. To express something in words, giving a clear and definite account of facts, opi
陳述；表明
清楚明確地用言語表達
To express something in words, giving a clear and definite account of facts, opinions, or intentions.
The witness stated clearly that she had seen the man leave the building before midnight.
目擊者清楚地陳述，她在午夜前看到那名男子離開了那棟大樓。
state + that-clause — expressing a definite fact
Please state your full name and date of birth on the application form.
請在申請表上填寫您的全名和出生日期。
Amihan stated her reasons for resigning in a short email to the team.
Amihan 在一封簡短的電子郵件中向團隊陳述了她辭職的原因。
The contract clearly states that no refunds are given after thirty days.
合約中清楚載明，三十天後不予退款。
passive-like: document states — formal written context
As stated in the previous chapter, economic growth does not always reduce inequality.
如前一章所述，經濟成長並不一定能減少不平等。
- state clearly
- state firmly
- as stated above
- stated that
- state your name
- stated in writing
文法句型
state + that-clause
state + noun phrase
state + direct speech
用法筆記
More formal than 'say'. Stronger than 'mention' — implies giving full, deliberate information. Frequently used in legal, academic, and official contexts.
常見錯誤
state — 形容詞
- statepositive
- statercomparative
- statestsuperlative
1. Belonging to, provided by, or controlled by the national government rather than
國家的；國立
由政府提供或控制的
Belonging to, provided by, or controlled by the national government rather than private organizations.
Élise studied at a state university, where tuition was much lower than at private colleges.
Élise 就讀於一所公立大學，學費遠低於私立學校。
state university — publicly funded institution
Many older people rely on state pensions as their main source of income after retirement.
許多老年人退休後依賴國家退休金作為主要收入來源。
The state broadcaster is funded by taxes rather than by advertising revenue.
該國營電視台的資金來自稅收，而非廣告收入。
state-funded — paid for by the government
Faisal works for a state-owned oil company that employs over ten thousand people.
Faisal 在一家國營石油公司工作，該公司雇用超過一萬人。
- state school
- state university
- state pension
- state-owned
- state-funded
- state broadcaster
- state enterprise
- public
broader, includes local government as well as national
- government
can also be attributive but is more general
- national
emphasizes the whole country rather than regional divisions
- private
owned or run by individuals or companies, not the government
文法句型
state [noun]
用法筆記
Only used before a noun (attributive). Cannot be used after linking verbs ('This school is state' is wrong — say 'This is a state school').
常見錯誤
2. Relating to grand, high-level ceremonies with the participation of a country's l
國事；國禮
涉及國家元首的正式典禮
Relating to grand, high-level ceremonies with the participation of a country's leaders or government representatives.
A state dinner was held at the White House to welcome the visiting prime minister.
白宮舉行了一場國宴，歡迎來訪的總理。
state dinner — formal meal with high-level officials
The king's state visit to Japan included meetings with business leaders and cultural events.
國王對日本的國是訪問包含了與商界領袖的會面和文化活動。
The new ambassador presented her credentials at a formal state ceremony in the capital.
新大使在首都的正式國禮儀式中呈遞了到任國書。
Dignitaries from around the world gathered for the former president's state funeral.
來自世界各地的政要齊聚一堂，參加前總統的國葬。
- state dinner
- state visit
- state funeral
- state ceremony
- state occasion
文法句型
state [noun]
用法筆記
Only appears before nouns describing formal events (dinner, visit, funeral, banquet, occasion). Cannot be used independently ('The dinner was state' is wrong).
常見錯誤
3. Relating to or belonging to one of the regions (states) that a federal country i
州的；邦的
屬於聯邦國家內各州的
Relating to or belonging to one of the regions (states) that a federal country is divided into.
Shirin applied for a driver's license at the state Department of Motor Vehicles in Austin.
Shirin 在奧斯汀的州機動車輛管理局申請了駕駛執照。
Each state government sets its own rules about speed limits and road safety.
每個州政府都自行制定關於速限和道路安全的規則。
The state police arrested the suspect after a high-speed chase across the county line.
州警察在跨越郡界的飛車追逐後逮捕了嫌犯。
state police — police force of one US state
State elections are held every four years to choose the governor and local representatives.
州選舉每四年舉行一次，選出州長和地方民意代表。
- state government
- state police
- state law
- state election
- state legislature
- state park
- provincial
used in Canada and some other countries instead of 'state'
- local
broader, includes city and county level
- federal
relating to the national, not regional, level of government
文法句型
state [noun]
用法筆記
Typically used with US states. In other federal countries, 'provincial' (Canada) or 'Land' (Germany) may be preferred. Only appears before nouns.
同根字
- stateless形容詞C1
- statehood名詞C1
- statesman名詞C1
- statesmanship名詞C2
- understate動詞B2
- overstate動詞C1
- statement名詞B1
- statewide形容詞B2
- stately形容詞C1
常見搭配
名詞搭配
- state government
- state law
- state police
- state university
- state pension
副詞搭配
- clearly stated
- firmly stated
- explicitly stated
- publicly stated
常用片語
- state of mind
- state of affairs
- state of emergency
- state of the art
- state of play
- lie in state
- church and state
介系詞搭配
- state of
- in a state of
- as stated in
- state to