Inklingo

How to Say "capable" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “capable” is “capaces” — use 'capaces' when referring to a group of people or things that possess the general ability or skill to do something.

English → Spanish

capaces

kah-PAH-sesskaˈpaθes

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'capaces' when referring to a group of people or things that possess the general ability or skill to do something.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two smiling children successfully riding their bicycles side-by-side without training wheels, demonstrating their ability and skill.

Examples

Somos capaces de terminar el proyecto antes de la fecha límite.

We are capable of finishing the project before the deadline.

Mis estudiantes son muy capaces; aprenden rápido.

My students are very able; they learn quickly.

Los nuevos sistemas son capaces de procesar millones de datos por segundo.

The new systems are capable of processing millions of data per second.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of the adjective 'capaz'. You use it when describing more than one person or thing.

Using SER

You always use 'capaces' with the verb 'ser' (Somos capaces, Son capaces) because capability is seen as a permanent, inherent quality or skill.

Singular vs. Plural

Mistake: “Los niños son capaz.”

Correction: Los niños son capaces. (Always match the number: plural subject needs the plural adjective.)

capaz

ka-paskaˈpas

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'capaz' when referring to a single person or thing that has the ability to do something, often focusing on a specific physical or mental feat.
A strong, smiling young character easily lifting a very large, colorful dumbbell above their head, demonstrating great physical ability.

Examples

Él es capaz de levantar 100 kilos.

He is capable of lifting 100 kilos.

Estoy segura de que eres capaz de aprobar el examen.

I'm sure that you are able to pass the exam.

Necesitamos una persona capaz y responsable para este trabajo.

We need a capable and responsible person for this job.

Always Use 'de' Before an Action

When you say someone is capable of doing something, you always need the word 'de' right after 'capaz' and before the action word. For example: 'Soy capaz de correr'.

One Form for Masculine & Feminine

'Capaz' is a cool adjective because it doesn't change for masculine or feminine. You say 'el hombre capaz' and 'la mujer capaz'. It stays the same!

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one person or thing, 'capaz' changes to 'capaces'. For example, 'Ellos son capaces'.

Forgetting 'de'

Mistake: “Ella es capaz hablar tres idiomas.”

Correction: Ella es capaz **de** hablar tres idiomas. Remember, 'capaz' needs its partner 'de' before an action.

competente

kom-pe-TEN-tekompeˈtente

adjectiveB1General
Choose 'competente' when you want to highlight that someone possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to perform a task well and effectively.
A skilled chef expertly tossing a perfect pancake in a professional kitchen.

Examples

Necesitamos contratar a un ingeniero competente para este proyecto.

We need to hire a competent engineer for this project.

Ella es muy competente en su trabajo y siempre termina a tiempo.

She is very capable at her job and always finishes on time.

Ese tribunal no es competente para decidir sobre este caso.

That court is not the proper authority to decide on this case.

One Form for Everyone

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for men or women. You can say 'el hombre competente' and 'la mujer competente' without changing the ending.

The 'To Be' Choice

Always use 'ser' with this word when describing someone's character or professional ability. Using 'estar' is very rare and would only imply they are acting competent temporarily.

Competent vs. Competitive

Mistake: “Using 'competente' to mean someone likes to win races or games.”

Correction: Use 'competitivo' for someone who likes to compete. 'Competente' only means someone is good at their job.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “Saying 'una jefa competenta'.”

Correction: Say 'una jefa competente'. Words ending in -ente almost never change to -enta.

preparada

preh-pah-RAH-dahpɾepaˈɾaða

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'preparada' when emphasizing that someone is ready and well-equipped, either through training or experience, to handle a specific situation or role.
A confident young chef wearing a crisp white uniform and toque, standing proudly with crossed arms next to a counter displaying a beautifully plated, colorful meal.

Examples

Ella es una ingeniera muy preparada para este puesto.

She is a highly qualified engineer for this position.

Gracias a sus estudios, se siente más preparada.

Thanks to her studies, she feels more capable/trained.

Ser vs. Estar (Quality)

Use 'ser preparada' (e.g., 'Ella es preparada') to describe a fundamental, inherent quality—her education or training is a permanent part of who she is.

Capaz vs. Capaces

The most common mistake is using 'capaz' when referring to multiple people or things. Remember that 'capaz' is singular (he/she/it is capable) and 'capaces' is plural (they are capable). Always make sure your adjective agrees in number with the noun it describes.

Related Translations

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