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capa

KAH-pahˈkapa

cape, cloak

Also: mantle
NounfA2
A simple illustration of a figure standing, wearing a long, flowing red cape draped over their shoulders.

📝 In Action

El mago llevaba una capa negra muy larga.

A2

The magician was wearing a very long black cape.

Necesitas ponerte una capa si hace mucho frío.

B1

You need to put on a cloak if it's very cold.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • capa de invisibilidad – invisibility cloak

Idioms & Expressions

  • capa y espada – swashbuckling; adventure (literally 'cloak and sword')

layer, coat

Also: film
NounfB1
A cross-section illustration showing three distinct, colorful layers of paint stacked on a surface, representing a layer of material.

📝 In Action

Hay una capa de polvo muy gruesa sobre la mesa.

A2

There is a very thick layer of dust on the table.

Necesitamos aplicar otra capa de pintura para que quede bien.

B1

We need to apply another coat of paint so that it looks good.

La Tierra tiene varias capas, incluyendo la atmósfera.

B2

The Earth has several layers, including the atmosphere.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estrato (stratum)
  • recubrimiento (coating)

Common Collocations

  • capa de ozono – ozone layer
  • doble capa – double layer

stratum

Also: social class, tier
NounfC1formal
An illustration showing a geological cross-section with five distinct horizontal strata (layers of earth and rock), each clearly separated.

📝 In Action

La población se divide en distintas capas sociales.

C1

The population is divided into different social strata (classes).

Los arqueólogos estudiaron las capas de roca para datar el artefacto.

B2

The archaeologists studied the rock layers to date the artifact.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • capas bajas – lower classes/strata

Translate to Spanish

✏️ 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

👥 Word Family▼
encapar(to layer or coat (verb)) — Verb
capote(bullfighter's cape (noun)) — Noun
capullo(cocoon (noun)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from Vulgar Latin *cappa*, which originally referred to a hooded cloak or head covering. It later expanded its meaning to include any kind of covering or layer.

First recorded: Around the 10th or 11th century in Spanish.

Cognates (Related words)

English: capeFrench: capeItalian: cappa

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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.