Inklingo

How to Say "capable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

capaz

/ka-pas//kaˈpas/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'capaz' when referring to someone's general ability or potential to do something, often singular.
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.

capaces

kah-PAH-sess/kaˈpaθes/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'capaces' when referring to the ability or skill of multiple people or things to accomplish 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.)

preparada

preh-pah-RAH-dah/pɾepaˈɾaða/

AdjectiveB1Formal/Professional
Use 'preparada' (or 'preparado' for masculine) when someone is qualified, trained, or ready to handle a specific situation or job.
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. Preparada

Learners often confuse 'capaz' with 'preparada'. Remember that 'capaz' focuses on inherent ability or potential, while 'preparada' emphasizes specific qualifications or readiness for a task. You might be 'capaz' of doing something without being 'preparado' for it.

Related Translations

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