capacidad
“capacidad” means “ability” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ability, capability
Also: competence, power
📝 In Action
Tiene una gran capacidad para aprender idiomas rápidamente.
B1She has a great ability to learn languages quickly.
Dudo de mi capacidad para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
B2I doubt my capability to finish the project on time.
Todos tenemos la capacidad de cambiar nuestras vidas.
B1We all have the capacity (potential) to change our lives.
capacity, volume
Also: storage, seating limit
📝 In Action
El estadio tiene una capacidad para 50,000 espectadores.
B2The stadium has a capacity for 50,000 spectators.
El disco duro no tiene suficiente capacidad para guardar más archivos.
C1The hard drive doesn't have enough capacity (storage) to save more files.
La capacidad de la batería es de 5000 miliamperios.
B2The battery capacity is 5000 milliamperes.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "capacidad" in Spanish:
ability→capability→capacity→competence→power→seating limit→storage→volume→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: capacidad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'capacidad' to mean 'volume or storage'?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin *capacitas*, which itself is derived from *capax*, meaning 'able to hold much' or 'spacious'. This link explains both the meaning of 'storage' and the meaning of 'ability'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'capacidad' a masculine or feminine noun?
'Capacidad' is always feminine. This is a common pattern: most Spanish nouns that end in -dad (like 'ciudad', 'libertad') are feminine.
What is the difference between 'capacidad' and 'habilidad'?
'Habilidad' usually refers to a specific, learned skill (like playing the piano). 'Capacidad' is broader; it refers to the potential or inherent power to do something (like the capacity for abstract thought).