Inklingo

How to Say "incapacity" in Spanish

The Spanish word forincapacityis incapacidadB1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1
nounB1
legal or physical lack of fitness
A small child unsuccessfully reaching for a cookie jar on a high kitchen counter.

Examples

Su incapacidad para guardar secretos es un problema.

His inability to keep secrets is a problem.

Siento una gran incapacidad para entender este manual.

I feel a great inability to understand this manual.

La incapacidad de los testigos para recordar los hechos retrasó el juicio.

The witnesses' inability to remember the facts delayed the trial.

Using 'para' with Incapacidad

When you want to say 'inability TO do something,' use the word 'para' followed by the action (the base form of the verb).

Incapacidad vs. Discapacidad

Mistake:Using 'incapacidad' for a physical handicap in all situations.

Correction: While related, use 'discapacidad' for physical or mental disabilities, and 'incapacidad' more for the 'inability' to perform a specific task or a legal/medical leave.

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