capítulo
/kah-PEE-too-loh/
chapter
An open book showing a distinct division of content illustrates 'capítulo' as a division of a book.
capítulo(noun)
chapter
?division of a book
episode
?division of a TV series
,installment
?part of a long story
📝 In Action
Terminé el libro, pero el último capítulo fue muy triste.
A1I finished the book, but the last chapter was very sad.
¿Viste el nuevo capítulo de tu serie favorita anoche?
A2Did you watch the new episode of your favorite series last night?
Lee el capítulo tres para la clase de mañana.
A1Read chapter three for tomorrow's class.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though 'capítulo' ends in the vowel 'o' (which usually means a word is masculine), its gender is always fixed: it takes the masculine article 'el' and descriptive words must match it (e.g., 'el capítulo aburrido').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Feminine Article
Mistake: "La capítulo."
Correction: El capítulo. Remember, it's a masculine noun.
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking about TV
While 'episodio' is common for TV, 'capítulo' is also frequently used, especially in Latin America, to refer to a single segment of a televised story.
A path transitioning from one distinct landscape to another visualizes 'capítulo' meaning a phase or period of time.
capítulo(noun)
chapter
?phase or period of time
stage
?a period of development
,item/clause
?rule or article in a law
📝 In Action
Este nuevo trabajo es un capítulo importante en mi vida.
B1This new job is an important chapter in my life.
La caída del muro de Berlín marcó un nuevo capítulo en la historia europea.
B2The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a new chapter in European history.
Según el capítulo dos de los estatutos, la reunión es obligatoria.
C1According to chapter two of the bylaws, the meeting is mandatory.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
You can use 'capítulo' to talk about a major life event or a period of time, just like in English. It gives a sense of completeness or finality to that period.
⭐ Usage Tips
Closing the Book
When you want to say that a difficult or finished situation is completely over, use the phrase 'pasar página' (literally 'to turn the page') or 'dar por cerrado ese capítulo' (to consider that chapter closed).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: capítulo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'capítulo' in its metaphorical sense (meaning a life phase)?
📚 More Resources
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.