cabal
“cabal” means “upright” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
upright, sensible
Also: thorough, honorable
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo siempre fue un hombre cabal y respetado por todos.
B1My grandfather was always an upright man and respected by everyone.
Necesitamos a alguien cabal para dirigir este proyecto tan importante.
B2We need someone sensible to lead this very important project.
Es una mujer cabal que nunca rompe sus promesas.
C1She is a woman of integrity who never breaks her promises.
exact, full
Also: complete
📝 In Action
Han pasado tres horas cabales desde que se fue.
B2Three full hours have passed since he left.
Le dio el peso cabal de la mercancía.
C1He gave him the exact weight of the goods.
No tengo una explicación cabal de lo ocurrido.
C1I don't have a complete explanation of what happened.
Exactly!, Spot on!
📝 In Action
—¿Entonces la cita es a las cinco? —¡Cabal!
A1—So the appointment is at five? —Exactly!
Cabal eso te iba a decir yo.
A2That's exactly what I was going to tell you.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cabal
Question 1 of 3
What does it mean if someone says 'No estoy en mis cabales'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'caput', meaning 'head'. It developed to mean something that has a head, is well-headed, or has reached its full capacity or measure.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'cabal' have anything to do with a 'cabal' (secret group) in English?
Not directly in daily usage. The English word 'cabal' comes from the Hebrew 'Kabbalah' (mystical interpretation), while the Spanish adjective 'cabal' comes from the Latin 'caput' (head). They are false friends!
Is 'cabal' used for both men and women?
Yes! Because it ends in a consonant, it doesn't change its ending. 'Él es cabal' and 'Ella es cabal' are both correct.
Is it a formal word?
It depends. As an adjective meaning 'upright' or 'exact,' it is slightly formal or literary. However, as an interjection in Central America, it is very informal and friendly.