capaz
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “capaz” mean in English?
capable — having the skill or power to do something
capable — having the skill or power to do something (ser capaz de + infinitive)
Example sentences
Los ingenieros son capaces de diseñar infraestructuras que resistan sismos de alta intensidad.
The engineers are capable of designing infrastructure that can withstand high-intensity earthquakes.
No creo que sea capaz de terminar el informe a tiempo sin recibir ayuda adicional del equipo.
I don't think he's capable of finishing the report on time without additional help from the team.
Es una profesional muy capaz y con mucha experiencia; sin duda será la mejor candidata para ese puesto.
She's a very capable professional with a great deal of experience; she will undoubtedly be the best candidate for that position.
How to use it
Capaz means 'capable' or 'able' — possessing the skill or power to do something. Construction: ser capaz de + infinitive. This distinguishes it from poder (which expresses permission, possibility, or circumstantial ability): ser capaz de focuses on inherent capacity or skill. Collocations: ser capaz de lograr algo, capacitar a alguien (to equip someone), el más capaz del equipo. Ser vs estar: capaz takes ser when describing a person's capacity — 'es una persona muy capaz'; but 'estar capaz' can appear in colloquial registers (Latin America) to mean 'likely' or 'capable of doing something unexpected'.
Common mistake
Ser capaz de + infinitive (inherent capacity) vs poder + infinitive (circumstantial ability/permission/possibility). 'I can do it' = Puedo hacerlo (I am in a position to / I'm allowed to). 'I am capable of doing it' = Soy capaz de hacerlo (I have the skill/power). In formal writing, ser capaz de is preferred for arguments about skill and potential. Never use *ser capaz que + subjunctive — the construction requires capaz de + infinitive.