capa
/KAH-pah/
cape
Illustrating capa as a garment, like a flowing cape.
📝 In Action
El mago llevaba una capa negra muy larga.
A2The magician was wearing a very long black cape.
Necesitas ponerte una capa si hace mucho frío.
B1You need to put on a cloak if it's very cold.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though it ends in '-a', remember 'capa' is always feminine: 'la capa' (the cape).
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
While 'abrigo' (coat) is more common today, 'capa' often appears in historical novels, fantasy, or when talking about superheroes.
This image shows capa meaning a layer, specifically a layer of paint.
📝 In Action
Hay una capa de polvo muy gruesa sobre la mesa.
A2There is a very thick layer of dust on the table.
Necesitamos aplicar otra capa de pintura para que quede bien.
B1We need to apply another coat of paint so that it looks good.
La Tierra tiene varias capas, incluyendo la atmósfera.
B2The Earth has several layers, including the atmosphere.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Thickness
To talk about how thick a layer is, use adjectives like 'gruesa' (thick) or 'fina' (thin), agreeing in gender: 'una capa fina'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Technical Use
'Capa' is the standard word used in science, construction, and cooking (e.g., layers in a cake) for describing superimposed materials.
Capa can also refer to a stratum, such as these distinct geological layers.
📝 In Action
La población se divide en distintas capas sociales.
C1The population is divided into different social strata (classes).
Los arqueólogos estudiaron las capas de roca para datar el artefacto.
B2The archaeologists studied the rock layers to date the artifact.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Language
When talking about people, using 'capa social' is a more formal and academic way to refer to social class than simply 'clase'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: capa
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'capa' in its meaning of a protective covering, not a piece of clothing?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'capa' the same as 'abrigo'?
Not exactly. 'Abrigo' is the general word for a coat or jacket used for warmth. 'Capa' specifically refers to a cape or cloak—a loose, sleeveless garment that covers the shoulders and back. However, both can mean 'outer covering' in a figurative sense.
How do I say 'coat of arms'?
The term for 'coat of arms' is 'escudo de armas'. While 'capa' relates to clothing, it is not used in this specific heraldic phrase.