Inklingo

How to Say "competent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

capaz

/ka-pas//kaˈpas/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'capaz' when describing someone who has the general skill, talent, or efficiency to do something, often implying a physical or inherent ability.
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' (the plural form of 'capaz') when referring to a group of people who are sufficiently qualified or have the ability to accomplish a specific task or goal.
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.)

Singular vs. Plural 'Capaz'

The most common mistake is using the singular 'capaz' when referring to multiple people. Remember that 'capaces' is the plural form and must be used when the subject is plural, just like any other adjective ending in -z.

Related Translations

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