incapaz
/een-kah-PAHZ/
incapable
When someone is incapaz (incapable), they lack the ability to complete a task, like building a simple tower.
incapaz(Adjective)
incapable
?lacking ability
,unable
?cannot do something
unfit
?not suitable for a role
📝 In Action
Soy incapaz de concentrarme con tanto ruido.
B1I am unable to concentrate with so much noise.
Ella era incapaz de mentir, siempre decía la verdad.
B2She was incapable of lying; she always told the truth.
El sistema se demostró incapaz de manejar la demanda.
B2The system proved incapable of handling the demand.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'de' after incapaz
When you want to say what someone is unable to do, you must always follow 'incapaz' with the preposition 'de' and then the action word (infinitive): 'incapaz de cocinar'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the preposition
Mistake: "Soy incapaz hacer esto."
Correction: Soy incapaz **de** hacer esto. (Always include 'de' before the action.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Gender is fixed
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'incapaz' is used for both men and women (el hombre incapaz, la mujer incapaz). You only change the ending when making it plural: 'incapaces'.
An incapaz (incompetent person) is someone who lacks the necessary skill or competence for their role.
incapaz(Noun)
incompetent person
?someone lacking skill
,bungler
?someone who often fails at tasks
useless person
?derogatory
📝 In Action
No lo dejes a cargo, es un completo incapaz.
B2Don't leave him in charge, he is completely incompetent (a total bungler).
La junta directiva despidió a varios incapaces.
C1The board of directors fired several incompetent individuals.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective becomes a Noun
In Spanish, many adjectives can be used directly as nouns (substantivized) when referring to a person who possesses that quality. Here, 'el incapaz' or 'la incapaz' means 'the incapable one'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Watch the tone
Using 'incapaz' as a noun is usually quite negative or critical. Use it carefully, as it can be seen as an insult.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: incapaz
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'incapaz' to mean 'unable to perform an action'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'incapaz' change for masculine and feminine nouns?
No, it stays the same. Because it ends in 'z', it applies to both genders (el hombre incapaz, la mujer incapaz). You only change it to 'incapaces' for plural.
What is the most common mistake English speakers make when using 'incapaz'?
Forgetting the necessary preposition 'de'. In English, we say 'incapable of doing something,' and Spanish requires the same structure: 'incapaz de hacer algo'.