How to Say "capacity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “capacity” is “capacidad” — use 'capacidad' when referring to the maximum amount something can hold or contain, such as volume or space..
capacidad
/kah-pah-see-dahd//kapaˈsiðað/
Examples
El garaje tiene capacidad para dos coches.
The garage has capacity for two cars.
El estadio tiene una capacidad para 50,000 espectadores.
The stadium has a capacity for 50,000 spectators.
El disco duro no tiene suficiente capacidad para guardar más archivos.
The hard drive doesn't have enough capacity (storage) to save more files.
La capacidad de la batería es de 5000 miliamperios.
The battery capacity is 5000 milliamperes.
Measure Words
When discussing physical volume, 'capacidad' often pairs with numbers and units of measure, such as 'capacidad para 10 litros' (capacity for 10 liters).
facultad
fah-kool-TAHD/fa.kulˈtað/
Examples
Debido a la enfermedad, perdió la facultad de hablar.
Due to the illness, he lost the ability to speak.
Perdió la facultad de movimiento tras el accidente.
She lost the ability to move after the accident.
El director tiene la facultad de contratar y despedir personal.
The director has the power (or authority/right) to hire and fire staff.
La facultad de razonar es lo que nos distingue.
The capacity for reason is what distinguishes us.
Using 'Tener la facultad'
When talking about having the right or authority to do something, use 'tener la facultad de' followed by the action (in the infinitive form).
calidad
/kah-lee-DAD//kaliˈðað/
Examples
Actuó en calidad de testigo principal.
He acted in the capacity of the main witness.
Firmó el contrato en calidad de representante legal de la empresa.
He signed the contract in the capacity of the company's legal representative.
Asistieron al evento en calidad de invitados especiales.
They attended the event in the role of special guests.
Fixed Phrase
This meaning almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'en calidad de...' (in the role of...), meaning you are acting as something or someone.
potencia
/poh-TEN-syah//poˈten.sja/
Examples
La potencia de este motor es impresionante.
The power of this engine is impressive.
El motor de este coche tiene mucha potencia.
This car's engine has a lot of power.
Necesitas más potencia para levantar esa caja pesada.
You need more strength to lift that heavy box.
La potencia de su voz llenó la sala de conciertos.
The power of her voice filled the concert hall.
Gender Reminder
Even though it ends in '-a,' 'potencia' is always a feminine noun, so use 'la potencia' or 'una potencia'.
pulmones
/pool-MOH-nays//pulˈmones/
Examples
Los nadadores olímpicos tienen unos pulmones enormes.
Olympic swimmers have enormous lung capacity.
Este corredor tiene unos pulmones increíbles; puede correr kilómetros sin cansarse.
This runner has incredible stamina; he can run kilometers without getting tired.
Necesitas pulmones si quieres subir esa montaña sin detenerte.
You need staying power if you want to climb that mountain without stopping.
Figurative Use
In this sense, 'pulmones' describes a person's physical ability to keep going, using the image of strong lungs to represent great endurance.
carácter
Examples
Se le otorgó carácter de urgencia al trámite.
The procedure was given urgent status.
Role vs. Ability
Related Translations
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