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capítulo

kah-PEE-too-loh/kaˈpitulo/

“capítulo” means “chapter” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

chapter

Also: episode, installment
NounmA1
An open book lying flat. The right page features a large, distinct, colorful illustration, clearly marking the beginning of a new chapter or section.

📝 In Action

Terminé el libro, pero el último capítulo fue muy triste.

A1

I finished the book, but the last chapter was very sad.

¿Viste el nuevo capítulo de tu serie favorita anoche?

A2

Did you watch the new episode of your favorite series last night?

Lee el capítulo tres para la clase de mañana.

A1

Read chapter three for tomorrow's class.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • el primer capítulo – the first chapter/episode
  • saltar un capítulo – to skip a chapter/episode

chapter

Also: stage, item/clause
NounmB1
A winding dirt path leads through a landscape, transitioning clearly from a bright, open meadow into a dense, dark green forest, symbolizing a new phase or period.

📝 In Action

Este nuevo trabajo es un capítulo importante en mi vida.

B1

This new job is an important chapter in my life.

La caída del muro de Berlín marcó un nuevo capítulo en la historia europea.

B2

The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a new chapter in European history.

Según el capítulo dos de los estatutos, la reunión es obligatoria.

C1

According to chapter two of the bylaws, the meeting is mandatory.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • un capítulo cerrado – a closed chapter (something finished)
  • abrir un capítulo – to open a new chapter (start something new)

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: capítulo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'capítulo' in its metaphorical sense (meaning a life phase)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
capitular(to surrender; to divide into chapters) — Verb
capitulación(surrender; itemized list) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
títuloartículo
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *capitulum*, which literally meant 'small head' (*caput* is 'head') but was used in Medieval Latin to mean 'section,' 'heading,' or 'chapter' of a book or law.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: chapterItalian: capitoloPortuguese: capítulo

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Frequently Asked Questions

¿Es 'capítulo' la única palabra para 'episode'?

No. Aunque 'capítulo' es muy común para episodios de televisión, la palabra 'episodio' también se usa, especialmente cuando se habla de programas con historias menos continuas (como un reality show o un programa de noticias). Ambos son correctos.

Does 'capítulo' always refer to a long section?

Not always. While it usually means a large division in a book, in legal or formal documents, 'capítulo' can refer to a specific, detailed clause or article within a larger set of rules.