Inklingo

How to Say "competence" in Spanish

English → Spanish

capacidad

/kah-pah-see-dahd//kapaˈsiðað/

nounB1professional skill
Use 'capacidad' when referring to a general, inherent potential or aptitude for doing something, especially in a professional or academic context.
A young person standing confidently while effortlessly juggling three brightly colored balls high in the air, demonstrating natural skill.

Examples

Tiene una gran capacidad para aprender idiomas rápidamente.

She has a great ability to learn languages quickly.

Dudo de mi capacidad para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

I doubt my capability to finish the project on time.

Todos tenemos la capacidad de cambiar nuestras vidas.

We all have the capacity (potential) to change our lives.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-d', 'capacidad' is always a feminine noun, so you use feminine articles: 'la capacidad', 'una capacidad'.

Using 'de' after

When talking about the ability to do something, use the preposition 'de' followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive): 'capacidad de trabajar' (ability to work).

Gender confusion

Mistake: “El capacidad”

Correction: La capacidad. Remember most nouns ending in '-dad' are feminine.

competencia

com-peh-TEN-see-ah/kompeˈtensja/

nounB1skill or ability
Use 'competencia' when you mean a specific skill or proficiency, often in a formal or competitive setting, like a job or a test.
A stylized cartoon bear standing confidently while expertly juggling three red apples, representing competence or ability.

Examples

Ella demostró una gran competencia lingüística en la entrevista.

She demonstrated great linguistic competence (or skill) in the interview.

Ese tribunal no tiene competencia para juzgar este caso.

That court does not have jurisdiction (or authority) to judge this case.

Mi competencia principal es la gestión de proyectos.

My main competence (or skill) is project management.

Using with Prepositions

Often paired with 'en' (in/at) when describing the area of skill: 'competencia en matemáticas' (competence in math).

Mixing Meanings

Mistake: “Saying 'Tengo mucha competencia' when you mean 'I have great skill'.”

Correction: This sounds like 'I have a lot of rivals.' Use 'Tengo mucha habilidad' or 'Tengo mucha capacidad' instead to avoid confusion.

habilidad

ah-bee-lee-DAHD/aβiliˈðað/

nounA1general capability
Use 'habilidad' for a more general, everyday skill or talent that someone possesses, often a practical or manual one.
An image showing an arrow deeply embedded in the exact center of a target's bullseye, symbolizing precision and skill.

Examples

Mi hermano tiene una gran habilidad para dibujar.

My brother has a great skill for drawing.

Necesitas demostrar tu habilidad antes de conseguir el trabajo.

You need to show your ability before getting the job.

La habilidad de adaptarse al cambio es crucial en este campo.

The ability to adapt to change is crucial in this field.

Always Feminine

All Spanish nouns that end in -dad (like 'ciudad', 'verdad', 'habilidad') are feminine. You must always use 'la' or 'una' before them.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El habilidad”

Correction: La habilidad. Remember the -dad ending is a strong signal that the word is feminine.

Choosing between 'capacidad' and 'competencia'

Learners often confuse 'capacidad' and 'competencia'. Remember that 'capacidad' implies a broader potential or aptitude, while 'competencia' refers to a more specific, demonstrable skill, often in a formal context.

Related Translations

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