What is the difference between "capacitar", "apoderar" in Spanish?

The English verb 'to empower' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on whether you mean to give legal authority or to enable someone with skills and ability. Understanding this distinction is key to choosing the correct Spanish word.

How to Say "to empower" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to empower” is “capacitar” — use 'capacitar' when you mean to train someone, provide them with the necessary skills, or give them the ability to do something..

capacitar🔊B1

Use 'capacitar' when you mean to train someone, provide them with the necessary skills, or give them the ability to do something.

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apoderar🔊B2

Use 'apoderar' when you mean to grant legal power or authority to someone, often through a formal process like a power of attorney.

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English → Spanish

capacitar

/ka-pa-see-TAR//kapasiˈtaɾ/

verbB1general

Use 'capacitar' when you mean to train someone, provide them with the necessary skills, or give them the ability to do something.

A mentor showing a student how to plant a small tree in a garden.

Examples

El curso nos va a capacitar para usar el nuevo software.

The course will enable us to use the new software.

La empresa va a capacitar a los nuevos empleados la próxima semana.

The company is going to train the new employees next week.

Este curso te capacita para trabajar como técnico de emergencias.

This course qualifies you to work as an emergency technician.

Debemos capacitar a las comunidades para que gestionen sus propios recursos.

We must empower communities so they can manage their own resources.

Using the Personal 'a'

When you are training a person or a specific group of people, you must put the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Capacitar a los maestros'.

The Purpose Connector 'para'

To explain what someone is being trained TO DO, use the word 'para' followed by the base form of the next verb. Example: 'Me capacitan para ayudar'.

Don't confuse with physical training

Mistake: “Voy al gimnasio para capacitarme.”

Correction: Voy al gimnasio para entrenar. 'Capacitar' is for learning skills or getting qualified, not for physical exercise.

See full entry for “capacitar” →

apoderar

ah-poh-deh-RAR/apoðeˈɾaɾ/

verbB2formal

Use 'apoderar' when you mean to grant legal power or authority to someone, often through a formal process like a power of attorney.

A king handing a glowing golden key to a person kneeling respectfully.

Examples

Tuve que apoderar a mi hermana para que pudiera vender el coche.

I had to authorize my sister so she could sell the car.

Tengo que apoderar a mi abogado para que firme el contrato.

I have to authorize my lawyer so he can sign the contract.

La junta decidió apoderar al director para las negociaciones.

The board decided to empower the director for the negotiations.

Es necesario apoderar a un representante legal en el extranjero.

It is necessary to grant power of attorney to a legal representative abroad.

Empower vs. Authorized

While in English 'empower' is often about confidence, in Spanish 'apoderar' (without the 'se') is strictly legal. For boosting confidence, use 'empoderar'.

Confusing Personal and Legal Empowerment

Mistake: “Quiero apoderar a mis alumnos.”

Correction: Quiero empoderar a mis alumnos. Use 'empoderar' for social/personal inspiration; 'apoderar' sounds like you are giving them legal rights to sign your checks!

See full entry for “apoderar” →

Capacitar vs. Apoderar

Learners often confuse 'capacitar' and 'apoderar' by using 'apoderar' when they simply mean to enable or train someone. Remember, 'apoderar' is specifically about legal authority, while 'capacitar' is about ability and skills.

Related Translations

to authorize→to enable→to overcome→to qualify→to seize→to train→

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