Inklingo

How to Say "competent" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “competent” is “capaz” — use 'capaz' when emphasizing someone's inherent skill or ability to perform a specific, often physical, task effectively.

capaz🔊A2

Use 'capaz' when emphasizing someone's inherent skill or ability to perform a specific, often physical, task effectively.

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competente🔊B1

Use 'competente' when referring to someone possessing the required skills and knowledge for a particular job or role, highlighting professional ability.

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apto🔊B1

Choose 'apto' when someone meets the formal requirements or qualifications for a position or task, often implying they are suitable or fit.

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cualificado🔊B2

Use 'cualificado' to describe someone who has the specific qualifications, training, or credentials that make them highly skilled for a profession.

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capaces🔊B1

Use 'capaces' (plural of 'capaz') when referring to a group of people who have the ability or skill to achieve something.

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English → Spanish

capaz

ka-paskaˈpas

adjectiveA2general
Use 'capaz' when emphasizing someone's inherent skill or ability to perform a specific, often physical, task effectively.
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.

competente

kom-pe-TEN-tekompeˈtente

adjectiveB1general
Use 'competente' when referring to someone possessing the required skills and knowledge for a particular job or role, highlighting professional ability.
A skilled chef expertly tossing a perfect pancake in a professional kitchen.

Examples

Necesitamos contratar a un ingeniero competente para este proyecto.

We need to hire a competent engineer for this project.

Ella es muy competente en su trabajo y siempre termina a tiempo.

She is very capable at her job and always finishes on time.

Ese tribunal no es competente para decidir sobre este caso.

That court is not the proper authority to decide on this case.

One Form for Everyone

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for men or women. You can say 'el hombre competente' and 'la mujer competente' without changing the ending.

The 'To Be' Choice

Always use 'ser' with this word when describing someone's character or professional ability. Using 'estar' is very rare and would only imply they are acting competent temporarily.

Competent vs. Competitive

Mistake: “Using 'competente' to mean someone likes to win races or games.”

Correction: Use 'competitivo' for someone who likes to compete. 'Competente' only means someone is good at their job.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “Saying 'una jefa competenta'.”

Correction: Say 'una jefa competente'. Words ending in -ente almost never change to -enta.

apto

AP-tohˈapto

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'apto' when someone meets the formal requirements or qualifications for a position or task, often implying they are suitable or fit.
A person wearing a chef's hat and apron holding a silver platter with a perfectly baked cake.

Examples

El candidato fue declarado apto para el puesto.

The candidate was declared qualified for the position.

Mi resultado en el examen de conducir fue 'apto'.

My result on the driving test was 'pass'.

Después de la revisión médica, el atleta es apto para competir.

After the medical check-up, the athlete is fit to compete.

Pass or Fail

In many Spanish-speaking countries, exams don't use 'pass/fail' but rather 'apto' (pass) and 'no apto' (fail).

Thinking it's a noun

Mistake: “Tengo un apto.”

Correction: Soy apto o mi resultado es apto. (While it acts like a grade, it is still describing you or your result.)

cualificado

kwah-lee-fee-KAH-dohkwalifiˈkaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'cualificado' to describe someone who has the specific qualifications, training, or credentials that make them highly skilled for a profession.
A smiling professional in a clean uniform holding a rolled certificate with a red ribbon and a gold seal.

Examples

Ella es una ingeniera muy cualificada.

She is a very qualified engineer.

Necesitamos personal cualificado para abrir la nueva fábrica.

We need qualified staff to open the new factory.

La empresa ofrece mejores salarios a la mano de obra cualificada.

The company offers better salaries to skilled labor.

Matching the Person

This word must match the person you are describing. Use 'cualificado' for a man, 'cualificada' for a woman, and add an 's' if you are talking about more than one person.

Using with 'Ser'

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) with this word because being qualified is seen as a lasting characteristic or a professional status.

Cualificado vs. Calificado

Mistake: “Using 'calificado' in Spain to mean professional skills.”

Correction: While 'calificado' is common in Latin America, in Spain 'cualificado' is the standard way to say someone has professional qualifications.

capaces

kah-PAH-sesskaˈpaθes

adjectiveB1general
Use 'capaces' (plural of 'capaz') when referring to a group of people who have the ability or skill to achieve 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.)

Confusing 'capaz' and 'competente'

Learners often confuse 'capaz' and 'competente'. Remember that 'capaz' often refers to a general ability or skill (especially physical), while 'competente' is more specific to professional qualifications and suitability for a role.

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