capaz en 30 segundos
- Capaz means capable or able.
- Used for people's skills and things' potential.
- Often followed by 'de' + infinitive verb.
- Can informally mean 'Really?!' in Brazil.
- Core Meaning
- The Portuguese word 'capaz' is a versatile adjective that primarily means 'capable' or 'able'. It signifies having the skill, power, or opportunity to do something. It's a common word used in everyday conversations to describe someone's competence or the potential for something to happen.
- Usage Contexts
- You'll hear 'capaz' used in a wide range of situations. It can describe a person's inherent abilities, like a student being 'capaz' of understanding complex subjects. It can also refer to the feasibility of an action; for example, 'Este plano é capaz de funcionar' (This plan is capable of working). In some informal contexts, it can even express surprise or disbelief, similar to saying 'Can you believe it?' or 'Seriously?' For instance, 'Ele fez isso? Que rapaz capaz!' (He did that? What a capable boy!). The word emphasizes a sense of potential and competence, whether it's about personal skills, project outcomes, or even unexpected events.
- Nuances
- While 'capaz' directly translates to 'capable' or 'able', its usage can sometimes carry a slightly stronger implication of being resourceful or even clever. When someone is described as 'muito capaz', it suggests they are not just competent but also adept and perhaps ingenious in their approach. It's important to note the agreement in gender and number: 'capaz' (singular, masculine/feminine), 'capazes' (plural, masculine/feminine). This adjective is fundamental for expressing proficiency and possibility in Portuguese.
Ela é uma profissional muito capaz.
Este carro é capaz de atingir altas velocidades.
Será que ele consegue terminar o projeto a tempo? Ele é capaz.
- Grammatical Agreement
- Remember that 'capaz' is an adjective and must agree in number with the noun it modifies. For a single person or thing, you use 'capaz'. For multiple people or things, you use 'capazes'. For example, 'o aluno capaz' (the capable student) becomes 'os alunos capazes' (the capable students). Similarly, 'o projeto capaz' (the feasible project) becomes 'os projetos capazes' (the feasible projects).
- Describing People's Abilities
- 'Capaz' is frequently used to describe individuals who possess skills, intelligence, or competence. It highlights their potential to succeed or perform well. For instance, you might say someone is 'capaz de resolver problemas' (capable of solving problems) or 'capaz de aprender rápido' (capable of learning quickly). This usage is very common in professional, academic, and personal contexts. It’s a direct way to acknowledge someone’s aptitude.
- Describing Potential of Things/Situations
- Beyond people, 'capaz' can describe the potential or feasibility of objects, actions, or situations. For example, a machine might be 'capaz de realizar tarefas complexas' (capable of performing complex tasks), or a plan might be 'capaz de gerar lucro' (capable of generating profit). This usage emphasizes the inherent possibility or capacity for something to occur or be achieved. It’s about the potential outcome.
- Expressing Surprise or Disbelief (Informal)
- In informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'capaz' can be used as an interjection to express surprise, disbelief, or sometimes even ironic agreement, similar to English phrases like 'Really?!', 'No way!', or 'You don't say!'. For example, if someone tells you something unbelievable, you might respond with 'Capaz!'. This usage is highly idiomatic and depends heavily on context and intonation. It's less about literal capability and more about an emotional reaction.
- In Combinations with 'de'
- 'Capaz' is very often followed by the preposition 'de' and then an infinitive verb. This structure is crucial for indicating what someone or something is capable of doing. Examples include: 'Ele é capaz de correr uma maratona' (He is capable of running a marathon), 'Este programa é capaz de processar grandes volumes de dados' (This program is capable of processing large volumes of data). This grammatical pattern is fundamental to expressing ability.
Ela é capaz de aprender qualquer coisa rapidamente.
Este novo modelo de carro é capaz de voar.
Você não vai acreditar no que aconteceu! Capaz!
- Everyday Conversations
- You'll hear 'capaz' constantly in everyday Portuguese, both in Brazil and Portugal. Friends might discuss whether someone is 'capaz de fazer algo' (capable of doing something), like 'Será que o João é capaz de nos ajudar com a mudança?' (Do you think João is capable of helping us with the move?). Parents might tell their children they are 'capazes de coisas incríveis' (capable of incredible things) to encourage them. It's a word woven into the fabric of daily interactions, used to assess potential and acknowledge skill.
- Workplace and Professional Settings
- In professional environments, 'capaz' is used to describe the competence of employees, the feasibility of projects, or the effectiveness of strategies. A manager might say, 'Precisamos de alguém capaz de liderar esta equipa' (We need someone capable of leading this team), or 'Este plano é capaz de aumentar as nossas vendas em 20%' (This plan is capable of increasing our sales by 20%). It’s a term that signifies reliability and skill in a formal context.
- Educational Environments
- Teachers and professors often use 'capaz' when evaluating students. They might praise a student by saying, 'Você é muito capaz de entender matemática' (You are very capable of understanding math), or discuss a student's potential for future success. It's used to highlight intellectual aptitude and the capacity for learning and growth.
- Media and News
- In news reports or documentaries, you might hear 'capaz' used to describe the capabilities of technology, the potential impact of events, or the skills of individuals involved in a story. For instance, a report on a new invention might state, 'Esta tecnologia é capaz de salvar vidas' (This technology is capable of saving lives). It's a standard term for discussing potential and ability in a factual manner.
- Informal Expressions of Surprise
- As mentioned earlier, the informal interjection 'Capaz!' is very common in Brazil. You'll hear it among friends when something surprising or unexpected happens. Imagine someone showing up unexpectedly: 'Capaz! Que surpresa boa!' (No way! What a nice surprise!). This usage is a key indicator of cultural familiarity with the word beyond its literal meaning.
O repórter disse que o novo robô é capaz de realizar cirurgias.
Meus pais sempre me disseram que eu era capaz de alcançar meus sonhos.
- Forgetting Plural Agreement
- One of the most common errors for learners is forgetting to make 'capaz' plural when referring to multiple subjects. The singular form is 'capaz', but when you have more than one person or thing, it must become 'capazes'. For example, saying 'Os alunos é capaz de fazer o trabalho' is incorrect. The correct form is 'Os alunos são capazes de fazer o trabalho' (The students are capable of doing the work). Pay close attention to the noun being described.
- Confusing with 'Capacidade'
- Learners sometimes confuse the adjective 'capaz' with the noun 'capacidade' (capacity, ability). While related, they serve different grammatical functions. 'Capacidade' refers to the potential or power itself, whereas 'capaz' describes someone or something as possessing that capacity. For instance, 'Ele tem a capacidade de resolver problemas' (He has the capacity to solve problems) is correct, but saying 'Ele é a capaz de resolver problemas' is incorrect; it should be 'Ele é capaz de resolver problemas'.
- Overusing the Informal 'Capaz!'
- The interjection 'Capaz!' used to express surprise is primarily a Brazilian colloquialism. While it's very common in Brazil, using it in Portugal or in very formal situations might sound out of place or even rude. Learners should be aware of this regional and register difference. Stick to the literal meaning of 'capable' or 'able' in formal writing and speech, and reserve the exclamatory 'Capaz!' for informal, friendly conversations, especially in Brazil.
- Incorrect Verb Usage
- When using 'capaz' to describe someone's ability to do something, it's essential to use the correct structure: 'ser capaz de + infinitive verb'. A common mistake is omitting the 'de' or using the wrong verb form. For example, 'Ele é capaz fazer isso' is incorrect. The correct sentence is 'Ele é capaz de fazer isso' (He is capable of doing that). Always remember the preposition 'de' after 'capaz' when followed by an action.
Incorrecto: Os médicos são capaz de salvar vidas.
Correcto: Os médicos são capazes de salvar vidas.
Incorrecto: Eu tenho a capaz de aprender português.
Correcto: Eu tenho a capacidade de aprender português. OU Eu sou capaz de aprender português.
- Habilidoso (Skilled)
- 'Habilidoso' is an adjective that specifically refers to being skillful or dexterous. While 'capaz' implies the ability to do something, 'habilidoso' emphasizes the quality of the skill. You can be 'capaz' of doing something without being particularly 'habilidoso', but a 'habilidoso' person is certainly 'capaz'. Example: 'Ele é um pintor muito habilidoso' (He is a very skillful painter). This is more specific than 'capaz'.
- Eficiente (Efficient)
- 'Eficiente' means efficient, meaning able to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. Someone who is 'capaz' might not necessarily be 'eficiente'. Efficiency relates to how well and quickly something is done, whereas 'capaz' simply states the ability. Example: 'Ela é capaz de completar a tarefa, mas não é muito eficiente' (She is capable of completing the task, but she is not very efficient).
- Apto (Fit, Suitable, Capable)
- 'Apto' can sometimes be a synonym for 'capaz', especially when referring to suitability or being qualified for something. It can also mean physically fit. Example: 'Ele está apto para o cargo' (He is fit/qualified for the position). In this context, it's very close to 'capaz'. However, 'apto' can also mean 'suitable' in a broader sense, like 'Este material é apto para uso em alimentos' (This material is suitable for use in food), where 'capaz' wouldn't fit.
- Competente (Competent)
- 'Competente' is a very close synonym for 'capaz', meaning competent or having the necessary ability or knowledge. It often implies a level of proficiency and adequacy. 'Ele é um profissional competente' (He is a competent professional) is very similar to 'Ele é um profissional capaz'. 'Competente' might suggest a slightly more formal or professional assessment of ability.
- Possível (Possible)
- When 'capaz' is used to describe the potential of a situation or thing, 'possível' (possible) can often be used as an alternative. For example, 'É capaz que chova hoje' (It's possible it will rain today) is similar to 'É possível que chova hoje'. However, 'capaz' can sometimes imply a higher degree of likelihood or inherent potential than just 'possível'.
- Adequado (Adequate, Suitable)
- 'Adequado' means adequate or suitable. It's similar to 'apto' but focuses more on meeting a certain standard or requirement. If something is 'adequado' for a purpose, it implies it is 'capaz' of fulfilling that purpose. Example: 'Este material é adequado para o clima frio' (This material is suitable for cold weather). It implies it is 'capaz' of providing warmth.
Ele é capaz e competente.
É capaz que ele venha, mas é mais possível que ele mande uma mensagem.
Dato curioso
The Latin root 'capax' is also related to the verb 'capere', meaning 'to take' or 'to seize'. This connection highlights the idea of being able to 'take on' or 'grasp' a task or concept.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the final 'z' as a voiced 'z' sound (like in 'zoo') instead of an 's' sound.
- Incorrectly stressing the first syllable ('CA-paz').
- Using a short 'a' sound instead of the open 'a' sound in 'paz'.
Ejemplos por nivel
Eu sou capaz.
I am capable.
Simple statement of ability.
Ele é capaz.
He is capable.
Third person singular, masculine.
Ela é capaz.
She is capable.
Third person singular, feminine.
Nós somos capazes.
We are capable.
First person plural.
Vocês são capazes.
You (plural) are capable.
Second person plural.
Eles são capazes.
They are capable.
Third person plural, masculine.
Elas são capazes.
They are capable.
Third person plural, feminine.
O cão é capaz.
The dog is capable.
Referring to an animal.
Eu sou capaz de aprender rápido.
I am capable of learning quickly.
Uses 'capaz de' + infinitive verb.
Ele é capaz de levantar peso.
He is capable of lifting weight.
Describes physical ability.
Ela é capaz de cozinhar bem.
She is capable of cooking well.
Describes a skill.
Este carro é capaz de ir rápido.
This car is capable of going fast.
Describes the potential of an object.
Vocês são capazes de fazer isso.
You (plural) are capable of doing this.
Addressing a group's ability.
Eles são capazes de resolver o problema.
They are capable of solving the problem.
Describes problem-solving ability.
As crianças são capazes de brincar sozinhas.
The children are capable of playing by themselves.
Describes independence.
O projeto é capaz de ser concluído a tempo.
The project is capable of being completed on time.
Describes the feasibility of a project.
Ela é uma profissional muito capaz.
She is a very capable professional.
Emphasizes competence in a role.
Este novo software é capaz de processar grandes volumes de dados.
This new software is capable of processing large volumes of data.
Describes technological capability.
Será que ele é capaz de liderar a equipa?
Is he capable of leading the team?
Questioning leadership ability.
Acredito que somos capazes de superar este desafio.
I believe we are capable of overcoming this challenge.
Expressing confidence in collective ability.
O artista é capaz de criar obras impressionantes.
The artist is capable of creating impressive works.
Describing creative capacity.
O plano é capaz de garantir o sucesso do evento.
The plan is capable of guaranteeing the event's success.
Discussing the potential outcome of a plan.
Eles são capazes de viajar pelo mundo com pouco dinheiro.
They are capable of traveling the world with little money.
Describing resourcefulness.
A tecnologia atual é capaz de fazer maravilhas.
Current technology is capable of doing wonders.
General statement about technological potential.
Apesar das dificuldades, ela demonstrou ser uma aluna extremamente capaz.
Despite the difficulties, she proved to be an extremely capable student.
Emphasizes resilience and high ability.
Este novo investimento é capaz de gerar retornos significativos a longo prazo.
This new investment is capable of generating significant long-term returns.
Discussing financial potential.
O debate girou em torno de se o governo era capaz de implementar as reformas prometidas.
The debate revolved around whether the government was capable of implementing the promised reforms.
Analyzing governmental capacity.
Ele é capaz de argumentar de forma convincente, mesmo sobre temas complexos.
He is capable of arguing convincingly, even on complex topics.
Highlighting strong argumentative skills.
A equipe médica é capaz de lidar com emergências complexas com grande precisão.
The medical team is capable of handling complex emergencies with great precision.
Focuses on precision and expertise.
A sua capacidade de adaptação torna-o um candidato muito capaz para esta função.
His adaptability makes him a very capable candidate for this role.
Links adaptability to capability.
O museu é capaz de atrair visitantes de todo o mundo.
The museum is capable of attracting visitors from all over the world.
Discussing an institution's appeal.
É fundamental que estejamos preparados para situações imprevistas, pois somos capazes de enfrentar adversidades.
It is essential that we are prepared for unforeseen situations, as we are capable of facing adversities.
Emphasizing resilience and preparedness.
A sua articulação verbal é tão polida que ele se torna capaz de persuadir até os mais céticos.
His verbal articulation is so polished that he becomes capable of persuading even the most skeptical.
Highlights sophisticated persuasive ability.
O desenvolvimento sustentável é um objetivo ambicioso, mas acreditamos que a humanidade é capaz de alcançá-lo através da inovação.
Sustainable development is an ambitious goal, but we believe humanity is capable of achieving it through innovation.
Discussing humanity's collective potential for global goals.
O crítico literário observou que o autor era capaz de tecer narrativas complexas com uma mestria incomum.
The literary critic observed that the author was capable of weaving complex narratives with unusual mastery.
Focuses on literary skill and mastery.
A resiliência demonstrada pela comunidade local após o desastre natural sugere que eles são capazes de reconstruir suas vidas com força e determinação.
The resilience shown by the local community after the natural disaster suggests they are capable of rebuilding their lives with strength and determination.
Emphasizes collective resilience and rebuilding capacity.
A inteligência artificial avançada é capaz de realizar tarefas cognitivas que antes eram exclusivas do intelecto humano.
Advanced artificial intelligence is capable of performing cognitive tasks previously exclusive to the human intellect.
Discussing advanced AI capabilities.
O diplomata demonstrou ser capaz de mediar conflitos complexos, encontrando soluções mutuamente benéficas.
The diplomat proved capable of mediating complex conflicts, finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Highlights diplomatic skill in conflict resolution.
A orquestra é capaz de evocar uma vasta gama de emoções através da sua interpretação musical.
The orchestra is capable of evoking a wide range of emotions through its musical interpretation.
Focuses on the emotional power of music.
O filósofo argumentou que o ser humano é intrinsecamente capaz de buscar a verdade e o conhecimento.
The philosopher argued that human beings are intrinsically capable of seeking truth and knowledge.
Discussing the inherent human drive for knowledge.
A capacidade de introspeção profunda permite ao indivíduo tornar-se capaz de autotranscendência.
The capacity for deep introspection allows the individual to become capable of self-transcendence.
Connects introspection to profound personal growth.
O historiador argumentou que a civilização romana era capaz de absorver e adaptar influências culturais externas de forma notável.
The historian argued that the Roman civilization was capable of absorbing and adapting external cultural influences remarkably.
Analyzing historical cultural assimilation.
A arte abstrata, em sua essência, é capaz de comunicar conceitos e sentimentos que transcendem a linguagem literal.
Abstract art, in its essence, is capable of communicating concepts and feelings that transcend literal language.
Discussing the transcendent communicative power of art.
O ecossistema da floresta amazônica, com sua biodiversidade exuberante, é capaz de regular o clima global de maneira intrincada.
The Amazon rainforest ecosystem, with its lush biodiversity, is capable of intricately regulating the global climate.
Highlights the complex environmental regulatory role.
A linguagem humana, em sua complexidade e nuance, é capaz de expressar a totalidade da experiência subjetiva.
Human language, in its complexity and nuance, is capable of expressing the totality of subjective experience.
Discussing the expressive power of human language.
O cientista postulou que a matéria escura, embora invisível, é capaz de influenciar a estrutura em larga escala do universo.
The scientist postulated that dark matter, though invisible, is capable of influencing the large-scale structure of the universe.
Discussing the theoretical influence of cosmic phenomena.
A música barroca, com suas complexas harmonias e contrapontos, é capaz de evocar um senso de grandiosidade e ordem divina.
Baroque music, with its complex harmonies and counterpoints, is capable of evoking a sense of grandeur and divine order.
Analyzing the spiritual and aesthetic impact of baroque music.
O desenvolvimento da consciência, segundo alguns filósofos, torna o ser humano capaz de transcender suas limitações biológicas.
The development of consciousness, according to some philosophers, makes human beings capable of transcending their biological limitations.
Explores the philosophical concept of consciousness enabling transcendence.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To be able to; to have the capacity for.
Eu sou capaz de nadar longas distâncias. (I am capable of swimming long distances.)
— Very capable; highly skilled.
Ela é muito capaz em seu trabalho. (She is very capable in her work.)
— Capable of anything; would do anything.
Quando se trata de proteger sua família, ele é capaz de tudo. (When it comes to protecting his family, he is capable of anything.)
— It's possible that...; Maybe...
É capaz que ele venha mais tarde. (It's possible that he'll come later.)
— What a capable boy! (Often used with admiration or surprise)
Ele consertou o carro sozinho! Que rapaz capaz!
— I am not capable; I can't.
Desculpe, não sou capaz de te ajudar com isso agora. (Sorry, I am not capable of helping you with that now.)
— To be able to solve.
Precisamos de alguém que seja capaz de resolver este problema. (We need someone who is capable of solving this problem.)
— Capable of impressing.
O desempenho da equipa foi capaz de impressionar os juízes. (The team's performance was capable of impressing the judges.)
— Able to understand.
As crianças pequenas são capazes de entender instruções simples. (Young children are capable of understanding simple instructions.)
— Able to overcome.
Com esforço, somos capazes de superar qualquer obstáculo. (With effort, we are capable of overcoming any obstacle.)
Modismos y expresiones
— This idiom means someone is willing to do anything, even extreme or unethical things, to achieve a goal, often driven by desperation or strong motivation.
Ele perdeu tudo e agora está capaz de tudo para recuperar o dinheiro.
Informal— Primarily in Brazilian Portuguese, this interjection expresses surprise, disbelief, or sometimes ironic agreement, similar to 'Really?!' or 'No way!'.
Você ganhou na loteria? Capaz!
Informal— To be unable to face oneself or one's own actions due to shame or guilt.
Depois do que ele fez, não é capaz de olhar para si mesmo no espelho.
Informal— Literally 'to be able to make it rain', this idiom is used humorously to suggest someone has extraordinary influence or power, often in a sarcastic way.
Com o dinheiro que ele tem, parece que é capaz de fazer chover.
Informal— Willing to do anything for love; willing to make extreme sacrifices for a romantic relationship.
Ela disse que é capaz de tudo por amor, até mesmo mudar de país.
Informal— Figuratively means extremely strong; able to lift very heavy objects.
Depois do treino, ele se sente capaz de levantar um boi.
Informal— To be able to predict the future; implies great foresight or uncanny accuracy.
Com as informações que ele tem, parece ser capaz de prever o futuro.
Informal— Used to describe someone or something that is extremely annoying or provocative, to the point of making even a saint lose their temper.
Aquele vendedor insistente é capaz de fazer um santo rezar.
Informal— To lack foresight or common sense; to be unable to see the obvious consequences of one's actions.
Ele gastou todo o dinheiro sem pensar no futuro, não é capaz de ver um palmo à frente do nariz.
Informal— Used to describe someone with an extremely charming or attractive personality that can win over even the coldest or most reserved people.
Com o seu sorriso, ela é capaz de derreter o gelo.
InformalFamilia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a person named 'Cap' who is very 'pace'-ful and skilled. He is 'capaz' of doing anything because he is so calm and skilled.
Asociación visual
Picture a strong, capable person wearing a cape, ready to take on any challenge. The cape symbolizes their readiness and ability.
Word Web
Origen de la palabra
The word 'capaz' comes from the Latin word 'capax', which means 'able to hold or contain; capacious; large'. It evolved to signify having the capacity for something, hence 'capable'.
Significado original: The original Latin meaning of 'capax' was related to holding or containing, suggesting a large volume or space. This literal sense of holding capacity gradually transitioned to a figurative sense of holding potential or ability.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseSummary
The Portuguese adjective 'capaz' translates to 'capable' or 'able'. It's a fundamental word used to express someone's proficiency, a thing's potential, or the feasibility of a situation. Remember its agreement in number ('capaz' singular, 'capazes' plural) and its common structure with 'de' followed by an infinitive verb when describing an action.
- Capaz means capable or able.
- Used for people's skills and things' potential.
- Often followed by 'de' + infinitive verb.
- Can informally mean 'Really?!' in Brazil.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de general
a cerca de
B1Significa 'a unos' o 'aproximadamente' al hablar de distancia o tiempo futuro.
à direita
A2A la derecha. Se usa para dar direcciones o indicar ubicación.
à esquerda
A2A la izquierda. Se usa para dar direcciones o describir una ubicación.
a fim de
A2A fin de; tener ganas de. 'Estudia a fin de aprobar.' / 'Tengo ganas de salir.'
à frente
A2En frente de; delante de. 'Ella está à frente del grupo.'
a frente
A2Al frente; delante.
À frente de
A2Delante de o al frente de. 'El coche está à frente de la casa' (El coche está delante de la casa).
a tempo
A2A tiempo, puntualmente. Indica que algo sucede dentro del plazo necesario.
à volta de
A2Alrededor de. Se usa para espacio (alrededor de la mesa) o aproximaciones (alrededor de las cinco).
abaixo
A1Debajo de; más abajo.
