In a state Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsteɪt

IN-uh-STAYT

UK

ˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /stˈeɪt

IN-uh-STAYT

Definition

Used to describe someone who is upset, anxious, or highly emotional, often in a way that's obvious to others. It can also refer more generally to someone being in a particular mental or emotional condition.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often used when someone is visibly upset, flustered, or overreacting. Common in 'She was in a state' or 'He's in a real state.' Can also be modified: 'in an anxious state', 'in a state of shock'. Not to be confused with 'state' meaning 'region' or 'country subdivision'.

• Spanish: estar hecho un lío - estar alterado - estar en un estado (mental/emocional)
• Portuguese (BR): estar muito nervoso - estar perturbado - estar em um estado (emocional)
• Portuguese (PT): estar muito nervoso - estar perturbado - estar num estado (emocional)
• Chinese (Simplified): 心神不宁 - 情绪激动 - 处于某种状态
• Chinese (Traditional): 心神不寧 - 情緒激動 - 處於某種狀態
• Hindi: बेचैन होना - घबराया हुआ होना - किसी अवस्था में होना
• Arabic: في حالة اضطراب - في حالة ذهنية معينة - في حالة
• Bengali: বিপর্যস্ত - ঘাবড়ে গেছে - আতঙ্কিত
• Russian: не в себе - в возбуждённом состоянии
• Japanese: 取り乱している - 動揺している
• Vietnamese: hoảng loạn - bối rối - lo lắng
• Korean: 당황한 상태 - 감정이 격해진 상태
• Turkish: panik halde - telaşlı durumda
• Urdu: پریشان حال - گھبرایا ہوا
• Indonesian: panik - gelisah - cemas

Example Sentences

She was in a state after losing her keys.

basic

After the accident, he was in a state for hours.

basic

The children were in a state when the power went out.

basic

Calm down, you’re in a state over nothing.

natural

Don’t worry, I get in a state before big tests too.

natural

My mom was in a state when I didn’t answer my phone.

natural