Emacs stste: C-z --Vim keys are disabled completely.
Vim insert: i
Vim normal: ESC
The next time Emacs is started, it will come up in normal state, denoted by in the mode line. This is where the main vi bindings are defined. Note that you can always disable normal state with C-z, which switches to an “Emacs state” (denoted by ) in which vi keys are completely disabled. Press C-z again to switch back to normal state.
Evil uses the term state for what is called a “mode” in regular vi usage, because modes are understood in Emacs terms to mean something else. Evil defines a number of states by default:
This is the default “resting state” of Evil, in which the main body of vi bindings are defined.
This is the state for insertion of text, where non-modified keys will insert the corresponding character in the buffer.
A state for selecting text regions. Motions are available for modifying the selected region, and operators are available for acting on it.
A special state mostly similar to insert state, except it replaces text instead of inserting.
A special state entered after launching an operator, but before specifying the corresponding motion or text object.
A special state useful for buffers that are read-only, where motions are available but editing operations are not.
A state that as closely as possible mimics default Emacs behaviour, by eliminating all vi bindings, except for C-z, to re-enter normal state.