capricho
“capricho” means “whim” in Spanish (a sudden desire or impulse).
whim, treat
Also: fancy, impulse buy
📝 In Action
Me compré estos zapatos por capricho.
A2I bought these shoes on a whim.
Hoy me voy a dar un capricho y comeré fuera.
B1Today I'm going to treat myself and eat out.
No es una necesidad, es solo un capricho del niño.
B2It's not a necessity; it's just a whim of the child.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: capricho
Question 1 of 3
How would you say 'I treated myself' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Italian word 'capriccio,' which originally meant a 'shiver' or 'hair standing on end' from fear. It later evolved to mean a sudden movement of the mind, like a goat (capra) jumping unexpectedly.
First recorded: 17th Century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'capricho' always a negative thing?
Not necessarily! While it can mean someone is being spoiled or fickle, 'darse un capricho' is often used positively to mean practicing self-care or enjoying a small luxury.
What is the difference between 'antojo' and 'capricho'?
They are very similar. 'Antojo' is often used for food cravings (like pregnancy cravings), while 'capricho' is broader and often refers to objects, clothes, or sudden decisions.
Can I use 'capricho' for people?
You can say someone 'es un caprichoso' (is a whimsical/spoiled person), but calling the person 'un capricho' usually implies they are just a temporary romantic interest or a passing fancy.