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"Be capable of" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "ser capaz de", and "to" is a preposition which is often translated as "a". Learn more about the difference between "be capable of" and "to" below.
be capable of(
bi
key
-
puh
-
buhl
uhv
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. ser capaz de
Ada is capable of closing up the store by herself. She's been trained by the supervisor.Ada es capaz de cerrar la tienda ella sola. Ella fue entrenada por la supervisora.
b. estar en condiciones de
Is this car capable of making the 10-hour drive through the mountains?¿Este coche está en condiciones de viajar 10 horas por las montañas?
to(
tu
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
2. (as far as)
a. hasta
I would run to your house right now just to see you!¡Correría hasta tu casa ahora mismo solo para verte!
a. por
The birth ratio is 107 boys to 100 girls.La proporción de nacimientos es de 107 niños por 100 niñas.
9. (in toasts)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I learned to drive when I was 17.Aprendí a manejar a los 17 años.
We need to work faster.Tenemos que trabajar más rápido.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I didn't want to tell you but I felt I had to.No quería decírtelo pero me vi obligada a hacerlo.
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.Es mi fiesta y lloraré si quiero.
