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capaz

ka-pas/kaˈpas/

“capaz” means “capable” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

capable

Also: able, competent
A strong, smiling young character easily lifting a very large, colorful dumbbell above their head, demonstrating great physical ability.

📝 In Action

Él es capaz de levantar 100 kilos.

A2

He is capable of lifting 100 kilos.

Estoy segura de que eres capaz de aprobar el examen.

B1

I'm sure that you are able to pass the exam.

Necesitamos una persona capaz y responsable para este trabajo.

B1

We need a capable and responsible person for this job.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • apto (suitable, fit)
  • competente (competent)
  • hábil (skillful)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ser capaz de – to be able to / capable of

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser capaz de cualquier cosa – to be capable of anything (can be positive or negative)

possible

Also: maybe, likely
Adjectivem/fB2informal
Argentina, Uruguay, Chile
A cheerful outdoor scene with a picnic blanket and bright sun, but a single, large, dark grey rain cloud is drifting into the frame, suggesting the possibility of rain.

📝 In Action

Capaz que llueve más tarde.

B2

Maybe it will rain later.

Es capaz de haberlo olvidado ya.

C1

It's possible he's already forgotten it.

¿Vienes a la fiesta? —Capaz.

B2

Are you coming to the party? —Maybe.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • imposible (impossible)
  • improbable (improbable)

Common Collocations

  • capaz que – maybe / it's possible that

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "capaz" in Spanish:

capable→competent→likely→maybe→possible→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: capaz

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'capaz' to talk about an ability?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
capacidad(capacity, ability) — Noun
incapaz(incapable) — Adjective
capacitar(to train, to enable) — Verb
capacitación(training) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
pazaudazdisfrazvoraz
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'capax', which meant 'able to hold much' or 'spacious'. It's related to the Latin verb 'capere', meaning 'to take' or 'to hold'. You can see the connection to 'holding' an ability!

First recorded: Around the 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: capable, capacityItalian: capaceFrench: capable

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'ser capaz de' and 'poder'?

They are very similar! 'Poder' (can / to be able) is more common for everyday ability. 'Ser capaz de' (to be capable of) often implies a deeper, inherent skill or the potential to do something, especially when it's difficult. 'Soy capaz de perdonarte' (I am capable of forgiving you) sounds a bit more profound than 'Puedo perdonarte' (I can forgive you).

How do I make 'capaz' plural?

Great question! To make it plural, you change the 'z' to a 'c' and add '-es'. So, one capable person is 'una persona capaz', but two capable people are 'dos personas capaces'.