How to Say "to qualify" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to qualify” is “calificar” — use 'calificar' when a person, team, or entity successfully meets the requirements to advance in a competition or obtain a position..
calificar
/kah-lee-fee-kahr//kalifiˈkaɾ/
Examples
México calificó para el Mundial.
Mexico qualified for the World Cup.
No todos califican para el préstamo bancario.
Not everyone is eligible for the bank loan.
Solo los mejores diez califican para la siguiente ronda.
Only the top ten qualify for the next round.
The preposition 'para'
When you qualify FOR something, always use the word 'para'. 'Califico PARA el trabajo'.
Calificar vs Clasificar
Mistake: “Él calificó a la final (in Spain).”
Correction: In Spain, 'clasificar' is often preferred for sports. In Latin America, 'calificar' is very common for the same thing.
clasificar
/klah-see-fee-KAHR//klasifiˈkaɾ/
Examples
Nuestro equipo se clasificó para la final.
Our team qualified for the final.
Solo los tres mejores clasificarán.
Only the three best will qualify.
Ella se clasificó en primer lugar.
She ranked in first place.
Reflexive form for people
When talking about an athlete or a team qualifying, we usually use the reflexive form 'clasificarse'. Think of it as 'qualifying oneself'.
Missing 'para'
Mistake: “Se clasificó la final.”
Correction: Se clasificó para la final. (You always qualify 'for' something in Spanish using 'para'.)
capacitar
/ka-pa-see-TAR//kapasiˈtaɾ/
Examples
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.
matizar
/mah-tee-SAHR//matiˈsaɾ/
Examples
Tengo que matizar mi respuesta anterior: no todos los casos son iguales.
I need to qualify my previous answer: not all cases are the same.
El presidente matizó sus declaraciones después de la crítica.
The president clarified his statements after the criticism.
Es importante matizar que esta es solo mi opinión personal.
It is important to clarify that this is only my personal opinion.
Spelling Change Alert
When the ending starts with an 'e', the 'z' changes to a 'c' (maticé, matice) to keep the 's' sound. This is common for all verbs ending in -zar.
Adding Nuance
Use this verb when you don't want to change your whole story, but just add a little 'extra info' to be more precise.
Confusing it with 'Change'
Mistake: “Usó 'matizar' para decir que cambió de opinión totalmente.”
Correction: Matizar means to adjust or refine, not to totally flip your opinion. Use 'cambiar' for a total switch.
Competition vs. Training vs. Nuance
Related Translations
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