incapacidad
“incapacidad” means “inability” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
inability
Also: incapacity
📝 In Action
Su incapacidad para guardar secretos es un problema.
B1His inability to keep secrets is a problem.
Siento una gran incapacidad para entender este manual.
B2I feel a great inability to understand this manual.
La incapacidad de los testigos para recordar los hechos retrasó el juicio.
C1The witnesses' inability to remember the facts delayed the trial.
sick leave
Also: disability benefits
📝 In Action
El doctor me dio tres días de incapacidad.
B1The doctor gave me three days of sick leave.
Tuve que tramitar mi incapacidad en la oficina de recursos humanos.
B2I had to process my sick leave in the human resources office.
La empresa paga el sueldo completo durante la incapacidad laboral.
C1The company pays the full salary during work-related disability leave.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "incapacidad" in Spanish:
disability benefits→inability→incapacity→sick leave→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: incapacidad
Question 1 of 3
If a doctor gives you an 'incapacidad' in Mexico, what should you do?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'incapacitas', which combines 'in-' (not) and 'capacitas' (ability to hold or contain). It originally described someone who didn't have the 'space' or 'room' for a certain skill.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'incapacidad' the same as 'discapacidad'?
Not exactly. 'Discapacidad' usually refers to a long-term physical or mental impairment (disability). 'Incapacidad' refers more to the lack of ability for a specific task or a temporary medical leave from work.
How do I say 'I'm on sick leave' in Spain?
While 'incapacidad' is understood, people in Spain usually say 'Estoy de baja'.
Can 'incapacidad' be plural?
Yes, 'incapacidades'. For example: 'Las incapacidades físicas pueden ser superadas' (Physical incapacities can be overcome).