How to Say "incapable" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “incapable” is “incapaz” — use 'incapaz' when referring to a general lack of ability or capacity to do something, often due to personal limitations or circumstances..
incapaz
een-kah-PAHZ/in.kaˈpaθ/
Examples
Soy incapaz de concentrarme con tanto ruido.
I am unable to concentrate with so much noise.
Ella era incapaz de mentir, siempre decía la verdad.
She was incapable of lying; she always told the truth.
El sistema se demostró incapaz de manejar la demanda.
The system proved incapable of handling the demand.
Using 'de' after incapaz
When you want to say what someone is unable to do, you must always follow 'incapaz' with the preposition 'de' and then the action word (infinitive): 'incapaz de cocinar'.
Forgetting the preposition
Mistake: “Soy incapaz hacer esto.”
Correction: Soy incapaz **de** hacer esto. (Always include 'de' before the action.)
incompetente
/een-kom-peh-TEN-teh//inkompeˈtente/
Examples
No quiero ser grosero, pero el servicio en este hotel es incompetente.
I don't want to be rude, but the service at this hotel is incompetent.
La empresa perdió dinero por una gestión incompetente.
The company lost money due to incompetent management.
Se siente frustrada porque su jefe es totalmente incompetente.
She feels frustrated because her boss is totally incompetent.
One Form for Everyone
This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change based on gender. You use 'incompetente' for both men and women.
Describing Personality with 'Ser'
Since being incompetent is usually seen as a personal characteristic or a state of being, we almost always use it with the verb 'ser' (to be).
The 'Incompetenta' Error
Mistake: “Ella es incompetenta.”
Correction: Ella es incompetente. Words ending in -e in Spanish usually stay the same for both genders.
Incapaz vs. Incompetente
Related Translations
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