cabe
/KAH-beh/
fits
The blue block fits (cabe) perfectly in the cutout.
cabe(verb (conjugated))
fits
?physical space/capacity
there is room for
?capacity
,is contained
?literal inclusion
📝 In Action
Mi coche no cabe en ese espacio tan pequeño.
A2My car doesn't fit in that small space.
¿Cuánta gente cabe en la sala de reuniones?
B1How many people fit in the meeting room?
La botella cabe justo en el estante superior.
A2The bottle fits right on the top shelf.
💡 Grammar Points
A Highly Irregular Verb
'Caber' is one of the most irregular verbs in Spanish. Notice how the 'yo' form changes completely to 'quepo'. Always memorize the conjugations for this verb!
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Capacity
Use 'cabe' when you are asking if there is enough physical space for something, like fitting an object into a box or a person into a car.
Traveling this path is possible (cabe).
cabe(verb (conjugated))
is possible
?abstract capacity or possibility
is conceivable
?abstract idea
📝 In Action
No cabe duda de su inocencia.
B1There is no doubt of his innocence. (Literally: Doubt does not fit.)
Cabe la posibilidad de que lleguen tarde.
B2The possibility exists that they will arrive late. (Literally: The possibility fits.)
En este argumento no cabe otra interpretación.
C1Another interpretation is not possible in this argument.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Possibility
When 'cabe' is used abstractly, it often implies 'it is contained within the realm of possibility.' It sounds more formal than just saying 'es posible' (it is possible).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Cabe' for 'There Is'
Mistake: "Using 'cabe' when you mean 'hay' (there is/are)."
Correction: Only use 'cabe' when discussing capacity or possibility. For general existence, stick to 'hay': 'Hay tres libros en la mesa' (There are three books on the table).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cabe
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cabe' in its literal sense of physical capacity?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'cabe' so irregular, especially in the 'yo' form?
The verb 'caber' is highly irregular because it inherited two different root sounds from Latin. To make the 'yo' form easier to say quickly, the irregular 'quepo' was developed, following a pattern seen in other old irregular verbs like 'saber' (sé) and 'haber' (he).
Can I use 'cabe' to mean 'it's possible' in casual conversation?
Yes, but it often sounds slightly formal or academic. In very casual speech, you might hear 'es posible' or 'puede ser' more often. However, the idiom 'No cabe duda' (There is no doubt) is used everywhere.