Inklingo

How to Say "competence" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “competence” is “habilidad” — use 'habilidad' for a general, everyday capability or talent that someone possesses, often something they are naturally good at or have developed through practice.

English → Spanish

habilidad

ah-bee-lee-DAHDaβiliˈðað

nounA1general
Use 'habilidad' for a general, everyday capability or talent that someone possesses, often something they are naturally good at or have developed through practice.
An image showing an arrow deeply embedded in the exact center of a target's bullseye, symbolizing precision and skill.

Examples

Mi hija tiene una gran habilidad para la música.

My daughter has a great skill for music.

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.

capacidad

kah-pah-see-dahdkapaˈsiðað

nounB1general
Choose 'capacidad' when referring to someone's potential or power to do something, especially in a professional or academic context, emphasizing their aptitude for a task or role.
A young person standing confidently while effortlessly juggling three brightly colored balls high in the air, demonstrating natural skill.

Examples

Este puesto requiere una gran capacidad de análisis.

This position requires a great capacity for analysis.

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-ahkompeˈtensja

nounB1general
Use 'competencia' to describe a specific skill or set of skills required for a particular job or activity, often implying a level of expertise or mastery.
A stylized cartoon bear standing confidently while expertly juggling three red apples, representing competence or ability.

Examples

El candidato demostró una excelente competencia técnica.

The candidate demonstrated excellent technical competence.

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.

aptitud

ap-tee-TOODap.tiˈtuð

nounB1general
Employ 'aptitud' to denote an innate talent or natural inclination for something, suggesting a predisposition or suitability for a specific field or activity.
A child sitting at a piano, effortlessly playing a beautiful melody with a natural smile.

Examples

Tiene una aptitud innata para la enseñanza.

She has an innate aptitude for teaching.

Ella tiene una aptitud natural para los idiomas.

She has a natural aptitude for languages.

El examen mide tu aptitud para las matemáticas.

The exam measures your aptitude for mathematics.

El certificado médico confirma su aptitud física para el buceo.

The medical certificate confirms his physical fitness for diving.

Always Feminine

In Spanish, almost all words ending in '-tud' are feminine. You should always use feminine markers like 'la', 'una', or 'las' with this word.

The 'P' vs 'C' Distinction

Be careful to pronounce the 'p' clearly. If you swap the 'p' for a 'c', you change the word from 'aptitud' (skill) to 'actitud' (attitude).

Aptitud vs. Actitud

Mistake: “Tiene una buena actitud para el piano.”

Correction: Tiene una buena aptitud para el piano.

Habilidad vs. Capacidad

Learners often confuse 'habilidad' and 'capacidad'. Remember, 'habilidad' is more about a general skill or talent (like drawing), while 'capacidad' refers to the potential or power to perform a task, especially in a professional context (like managing a team).

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.