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"Capaz" is an adjective which is often translated as "able", and "poder" is an auxiliary verb which is often translated as "to be able to". Learn more about the difference between "capaz" and "poder" below.
capaz(
kah
-
pahs
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. able
Todos los estudiantes del grupo son muy capaces.All the students in the group are very able.
Es sorprendente que sea capaz de levantarme todos los días a las cinco de la mañana para ir a trabajar.It's surprising that I'm able to get up every day at five in the morning to go to work.
b. capable
Margarita es una mujer muy capaz y debería ser la alcalde del pueblo.Margarita is a very capable woman and should be the town mayor.
a. capacity
El templo es capaz para 800 personas para la misa.The temple has a capacity of 800 people for Mass.
3. (legal)
a. competent
El resultado de la entrevista con el inculpado demuestra que es capaz de someterse a juicio.The interview with the accused demonstrates that he is competent to stand trial.
4. (daring)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Dime tonto otra vez si eres capaz!Call me a fool again if you dare!
Miguel no fue capaz de decirle al público lo que verdaderamente creía.Miguel could not bring himself to tell the audience what he really believed.
5. (colloquial) (possible) (Latin America)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Aún no llegó; capaz que esté en un atasco.He's not here yet; he could be stuck in traffic.
Capaz que nieve con el frío que está haciendo.It might snow with this cold weather.
poder, el poder(
poh
-
dehr
)An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. can
¿Me puedes pasar ese lápiz?Can you pass me that pencil?
¿Podría ver un menú, por favor?Could I see a menu, please?
c. to be allowed to
¿Podemos traer alcohol al concierto?Are we allowed to bring alcohol to the concert?
a. can
No sé si comer una sopa o un sándwich. - Podrías pedir el combo que trae mitad de un sándwich y una sopa.I don't know if I should have soup or a sandwich. - You could get the half-sandwich and soup combo.
b. may
Podrías llamar de nuevo al hotel a ver si tienen tu bufanda.You may want to call the hotel again to see if they found your scarf.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to put up with
No puedo más contigo. Me estás volviendo loca.I can't put up with you any longer. You're driving me crazy.
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
11. (ability)
12. (control)
13. (political)
a. power
El poder del presidente incluye vetar cualquier legislación pasada por el Congreso.Among the president's powers is the ability to veto any legislation passed by Congress.
a. possession
Tengo en mi poder un certificado que prueba la autenticidad de la pintura.I have in my possession a letter that proves the painting's authenticity.
15. (mechanical)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
16. (colloquial) (to defeat)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
b. to be stronger than
El forzudo retó a cualquiera a ver si le pueden.The strongman challenged anyone to prove they're stronger than him.
los poderes
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
a. powers
A Daniel le confirieron los poderes para gestionar la empresa tras la muerte de su padre.After the death of his father, all the business' powers were passed to Daniel.
b. authority
El comité no tiene los poderes para confirmar el nombramiento.The committee doesn't have the authority to confirm the appointment.
