How to Say "corporal" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “corporal” is “cabo” — use 'cabo' when referring to a junior non-commissioned officer in the military..
English → Spanish
cabo
/KAH-boh//ˈkaβo/
nounB2military
Use 'cabo' when referring to a junior non-commissioned officer in the military.
Examples
El cabo revisó el equipo antes de la misión.
The corporal checked the equipment before the mission.
Fue ascendido a cabo después de un año de servicio.
He was promoted to corporal after one year of service.
corporal
/kohr-poh-RAHL//koɾpoˈɾal/
nounC2religious
Use 'corporal' when referring to the specific linen cloth placed on the altar during Catholic Mass.
Examples
El sacerdote colocó el cáliz sobre el corporal.
The priest placed the chalice on the corporal cloth.
Military Rank vs. Altar Cloth
The most common mistake is using 'corporal' when referring to the military rank. Remember that 'cabo' is the Spanish word for a military corporal, while 'corporal' refers to a sacred linen used in Mass.
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