Inklingo

How to Say "fits" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cabe

/KAH-beh//ˈka.βe/

verbA2general
Use 'cabe' when referring to whether something physically fits into a space or container, indicating capacity.
A perfectly square blue block is placed snugly inside a matching square hole on a yellow background, demonstrating a perfect fit.

Examples

Mi maleta no cabe en el compartimento superior.

My suitcase doesn't fit in the overhead compartment.

Mi coche no cabe en ese espacio tan pequeño.

My car doesn't fit in that small space.

¿Cuánta gente cabe en la sala de reuniones?

How many people fit in the meeting room?

La botella cabe justo en el estante superior.

The bottle fits right on the top shelf.

A Highly Irregular Verb

'Caber' is one of the most irregular verbs in Spanish. Notice how the 'yo' form changes completely to 'quepo'. Always memorize the conjugations for this verb!

encaja

en-CA-ha/enˈkaxa/

verbA2general
Use 'encaja' when describing if two physical objects connect or match properly, like puzzle pieces or plugs.
A blue square block perfectly fitting into a corresponding square hole cut into a light brown wooden surface.

Examples

Esta pieza del rompecabezas no encaja bien.

This puzzle piece doesn't fit well.

El enchufe no **encaja** en este adaptador.

The plug doesn't fit in this adapter.

Si lo giras, la pieza **encaja** perfectamente.

If you turn it, the piece fits perfectly.

**Encaja** bien la tapa antes de cerrarlo.

Fit the lid well before closing it. (Tú command)

Form of 'Encajar'

Encaja is the form of the verb encajar used for 'he/she/it' in the present tense, or when giving a friendly command to 'tú' (you).

quede

KAY-day/ˈkeðe/

verbB1general
Use 'quede' (from 'quedar') when talking about how clothing fits a person in terms of size or style.
A pair of feet wearing shiny, perfectly fitted red boots standing on a clean wooden floor, showing a perfect fit.

Examples

Espero que este vestido te quede perfecto.

I hope this dress fits you perfectly.

Dudo que esta chaqueta me quede bien.

I doubt this jacket fits me well.

Aunque la luz no le quede bien, él es feliz.

Even though the lighting doesn't look good on him, he is happy.

Sugiero que la hora de la cita quede para las tres.

I suggest that the time for the appointment be set for three o'clock.

Expressing Opinions and Doubt

When talking about how something looks or fits and you express doubt ('No creo que...' or 'Dudo que...'), use 'quede' instead of 'queda'.

Setting Agreements

When arranging a time or place, 'quede' is often used to establish the final decision: 'El precio quede en 50 euros' (The price is set at 50 euros).

Incorrect Use with Clothing

Mistake: “Quiero que queda perfecta. (Incorrect verb form)”

Correction: Quiero que quede perfecta. (After 'Quiero que...' (I want that...), Spanish requires the 'quede' form.)

ataques

ah-TAH-kehs[aˈta.kes]

nounB1general
Use 'ataques' to describe sudden episodes or outbursts, most commonly 'ataques de ansiedad' (anxiety attacks) or 'ataques de tos' (fits of coughing).
A high quality storybook illustration showing three distinct, brightly colored, stylized arrows flying rapidly towards a single, stationary, blue target shield.

Examples

Tuvo varios ataques de risa durante la película.

He had several fits of laughter during the movie.

Los ataques de ansiedad son cada vez más comunes.

Anxiety attacks are becoming more and more common.

La ciudad sufrió varios ataques aéreos durante la guerra.

The city suffered several aerial attacks during the war.

Recibimos muchos ataques informáticos esta semana.

We received many computer attacks this week.

Plural Form

This word is the plural of 'ataque' (attack). Since 'ataque' ends in a vowel, you just add '-s' to make it plural.

Physical Fit vs. Emotional Episodes

Learners often confuse 'cabe'/'encaja' (physical fit) with 'ataques' (sudden episodes). Remember that 'cabe' and 'encaja' relate to objects and space, while 'ataques' refers to the sudden onset of an emotion or physical reaction like coughing or laughing.

Related Translations

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