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"Be able to" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "poder", and "capable" is an adjective which is often translated as "capaz". Learn more about the difference between "be able to" and "capable" below.
be able to(
bi
ey
-
buhl
tu
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. poder
I am able to meet next Monday at nine in the morning. Is that convenient?Puedo reunirme el lunes que viene a las nueve de la mañana. ¿Le es conveniente?
b. ser capaz de
He was not able to walk after the accident.No era capaz de caminar después del accidente.
capable(
key
-
puh
-
buhl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (competent)
a. capaz
I will hire Juan. I think he is a very capable worker.Contrataré a Juan. Creo que es un trabajador muy capaz.
b. competente
My new boss is a capable leader and an expert in his field.Mi nuevo jefe es un líder competente y experto en su campo.
2. (able to)
a. capaz de
For this job, we need someone capable of lifting heavy boxes.Para este trabajo, necesitamos a alguien capaz de levantar cajas pesadas.
a. capaz
My friend says she would be capable of anything to get her boyfriend back.Mi amiga dice que sería capaz de cualquier cosa para que su novio regrese con ella.
