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A colorful storybook illustration showing two smiling children successfully riding their bicycles side-by-side without training wheels, demonstrating their ability and skill.

capaces

kah-PAH-sess

Adjectivem/fB1
capable?having the ability or skill,able?competent
Also:competent?sufficiently qualified

📝 In Action

Somos capaces de terminar el proyecto antes de la fecha límite.

B1

We are capable of finishing the project before the deadline.

Mis estudiantes son muy capaces; aprenden rápido.

A2

My students are very able; they learn quickly.

Los nuevos sistemas son capaces de procesar millones de datos por segundo.

B2

The new systems are capable of processing millions of data per second.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • hábiles (skilled)
  • aptos (fit/suitable)
  • competentes (competent)

Antonyms

  • incapaces (incapable)
  • ineptos (inept)

Common Collocations

  • ser capaces de – to be capable of (doing something)
  • personas capaces – capable people

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the adjective 'capaz'. You use it when describing more than one person or thing.

Using SER

You always use 'capaces' with the verb 'ser' (Somos capaces, Son capaces) because capability is seen as a permanent, inherent quality or skill.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Singular vs. Plural

Mistake: "Los niños son capaz."

Correction: Los niños son capaces. (Always match the number: plural subject needs the plural adjective.)

⭐ Usage Tips

The Essential 'de'

When you want to say what someone is capable of doing, you almost always follow 'capaces' with the small word 'de' (of): 'Ellos son capaces de correr muy rápido'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: capaces

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'capaces'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'capaces' change for masculine and feminine groups?

No. 'Capaces' is used for both groups of men (ellos) and groups of women (ellas). The only change is between singular ('capaz') and plural ('capaces').