capaz

/ka-pas/

capable

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

This illustration shows a person who is capaz (capable) of performing a feat of strength.

capaz(Adjective)

m/fA2

capable

having the ability to do something

Also:

able

possessing the necessary skill or power

competent

skilled and efficient

📝 In Action

Él es capaz de levantar 100 kilos.

He is capable of lifting 100 kilos.

Estoy segura de que eres capaz de aprobar el examen.

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

Necesitamos una persona capaz y responsable para este trabajo.

We need a capable and responsible person for this job.

Word Connections

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

incapaz (incapable)

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)

💡 Grammar Points

Always Use 'de' Before an Action

When you say someone is capable of doing something, you always need the word 'de' right after 'capaz' and before the action word. For example: 'Soy capaz de correr'.

One Form for Masculine & Feminine

'Capaz' is a cool adjective because it doesn't change for masculine or feminine. You say 'el hombre capaz' and 'la mujer capaz'. It stays the same!

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one person or thing, 'capaz' changes to 'capaces'. For example, 'Ellos son capaces'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: "Ella es capaz hablar tres idiomas."

Correction: Ella es capaz **de** hablar tres idiomas. Remember, 'capaz' needs its partner 'de' before an action.

⭐ Usage Tips

A Bit Stronger Than 'Poder'

Saying 'soy capaz de hacerlo' often sounds a bit stronger or more confident than 'puedo hacerlo'. It emphasizes your inner ability or potential, especially for a challenge.

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 some informal contexts, capaz means 'maybe' or 'it's possible', reflecting the possibility of the approaching rain.

capaz(Adjective)

m/fB2

possible

likely to happen

Also:

maybe

as a standalone expression, often with 'que'

likely

probably

📝 In Action

Capaz que llueve más tarde.

Maybe it will rain later.

Es capaz de haberlo olvidado ya.

It's possible he's already forgotten it.

¿Vienes a la fiesta? —Capaz.

Are you coming to the party? —Maybe.

Word Connections

Synonyms

posible (possible)
probable (probable)
quizás (maybe)
a lo mejor (maybe)

Antonyms

imposible (impossible)
improbable (improbable)

Common Collocations

capaz que – maybe / it's possible that

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Capaz que' for 'Maybe'

In many parts of Latin America, people say 'Capaz que...' to mean 'Maybe...' or 'It's possible that...'. It's a very common and natural-sounding phrase in conversation.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using it Alone

Mistake: "Yo capaz voy a la fiesta."

Correction: **Capaz que** voy a la fiesta. When used to mean 'maybe' at the start of a sentence, it's almost always followed by 'que' to sound natural.

⭐ Usage Tips

A Regional Flavor

Using 'capaz que' will make you sound very authentic in countries like Argentina and Uruguay. In Spain, this usage is rare; they would prefer 'a lo mejor' or 'quizás'.

✏️ 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

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'.