Inklingo

capilla

kah-PEE-yahkaˈpiʝa

capilla means chapel in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

chapel

Also: shrine
NounfA2
A small stone building with arched windows and a cross on top, nestled in a green field.

📝 In Action

La boda se celebró en una pequeña capilla en las montañas.

A2

The wedding was held in a small chapel in the mountains.

Muchos hospitales tienen una capilla para los pacientes.

B1

Many hospitals have a chapel for the patients.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ermita (hermitage/small chapel)
  • oratorio (oratory)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • capilla ardientefuneral parlor/viewing room
  • maestro de capillachoirmaster

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar en capillato be waiting for a big event or an exam with nervousness

hood

Also: academic hood
NounfC1formal
A person wearing a simple brown cloak with the hood pulled up over their head.

📝 In Action

El monje se cubrió la cabeza con la capilla de su hábito.

C1

The monk covered his head with the hood of his habit.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • capucha (hood (modern))
  • cogulla (cowl)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "capilla" in Spanish:

academic hoodchapelhoodshrine

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: capilla

Question 1 of 1

If you have a very important exam tomorrow and you are nervous, how would you describe your situation?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
capellán(chaplain)Noun
capellanía(chaplaincy)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin 'cappa' meaning 'cloak.' Legend says Saint Martin of Tours shared his cloak with a beggar; the small building where the piece of the cloak was kept was called a 'capella,' which became 'capilla'.

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: chapelleItalian: cappellaEnglish: chapel

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'capilla' the same as a 'hoodie'?

No. While 'capilla' technically means hood, it refers to historical or religious cloaks. For a modern sweatshirt hood, you should use the word 'capucha'.