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A2 adjective 12 دقیقه مطالعه

incapaz

مثال‌ها
توضیح incapaz in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just beginning your journey into the Portuguese language. The word incapaz might seem a bit long, but it is very useful. It simply means that someone or something cannot do a specific action. You can think of it as the opposite of the word capaz, which means capable or able. In English, incapaz translates directly to incapable or unable. When you want to say that you cannot do something because you do not have the skill or the power, you use this word. For example, if a box is too heavy for you to lift, you might say you are incapaz of lifting it. The most important rule to remember at this beginner stage is that you usually put the word de right after incapaz when you are talking about an action. So, you say incapaz de followed by the action verb. For example, incapaz de falar means incapable of speaking. It is a great word to learn early on because it helps you express your limits clearly. You will hear native speakers use it when they are frustrated or when they want to be very honest about what they can and cannot do. Even if you do not use it every day, recognizing it will help you understand when someone is telling you that something is impossible for them. Keep practicing the combination incapaz de, and you will sound very natural.
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At the A2 level, you are building more complex sentences and expressing yourself with greater detail. The word incapaz is a core vocabulary item for this level. It is an adjective used to describe a lack of ability, capacity, or skill. You will use it to talk about things people cannot do, whether due to physical limitations, emotional barriers, or simply a lack of knowledge. The grammatical structure you must master is ser incapaz de or estar incapaz de followed by an infinitive verb. For instance, Ele é incapaz de mentir means He is incapable of lying. Notice that it functions similarly to the English structure incapable of doing. One crucial detail you must remember at the A2 level is pluralization. Because incapaz ends in a z, its plural form adds es, becoming incapazes. So, if you are talking about a group of people, you must say Eles são incapazes. You can also use it to describe objects or systems, like a machine that is incapaz de funcionar (incapable of working). It is a step up from simply saying não posso (I cannot), as it describes a deeper, more fundamental inability rather than just a lack of permission or a temporary situational constraint. Mastering incapaz will greatly improve your ability to describe characteristics and limitations accurately.
At the B1 intermediate level, your use of incapaz should become more nuanced. You are no longer just talking about physical inability to lift a box; you are using it to discuss emotional states, professional competencies, and abstract concepts. At this stage, you should comfortably distinguish between using ser incapaz (a permanent characteristic, like someone who lacks the moral capacity to cheat) and estar/sentir-se incapaz (a temporary state or feeling, like feeling unable to cope with stress today). You will also encounter the word used as a noun, particularly in formal or legal contexts, such as o incapaz, referring to a minor or someone legally deemed unable to make their own decisions. Furthermore, you should start integrating synonyms to avoid repetition. Words like incompetente (incompetent, usually for professional settings), impossibilitado (prevented by external circumstances), and inapto (unfit for a specific role) should become part of your active vocabulary. Understanding when to use incapaz versus these alternatives shows a solid grasp of Portuguese semantics. For example, you would call a poorly performing employee incompetente rather than just incapaz, as the former is more specific to professional failure. Continue practicing the ser/estar incapaz de + infinitive structure, but focus on applying it to a wider variety of complex, real-world situations.
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At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your comprehension and application of incapaz must reflect a high degree of fluency and cultural awareness. You will frequently encounter this word in journalistic, academic, and literary contexts. It is heavily used in political discourse to criticize governments or institutions (e.g., O governo mostrou-se incapaz de resolver a crise). At this level, you should be sensitive to the rhetorical power of the word. Calling a leader incapaz is a strong, definitive critique. You should also be comfortable with complex sentence structures involving this word, such as using it in subjunctive clauses or conditional sentences (e.g., Se ele fosse menos orgulhoso, não seria incapaz de pedir ajuda). Additionally, you should recognize its use in idiomatic or figurative expressions. The distinction between incapaz and its synonyms (inábil, inapto, incompetente) must be sharp in your mind, allowing you to select the exact word for the precise context. You will also see it used to describe inanimate abstract concepts, such as a theory being incapaz de explicar um fenômeno (a theory incapable of explaining a phenomenon). Your goal at the B2 level is to use incapaz not just to state facts, but to argue, critique, and express complex emotional and intellectual limitations with native-like precision.
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At the C1 advanced level, your engagement with the word incapaz is about mastering its subtleties, rhetorical weight, and stylistic variations. You are expected to understand its implications in deep psychological, philosophical, and legal discussions. In literature, incapaz is often used to explore the human condition—the tragedy of being incapable of love, incapable of change, or incapable of escaping one's fate. You should be able to write sophisticated essays using incapaz to analyze complex systems, such as discussing how late-stage capitalism might be incapaz de sustentar o crescimento infinito. Furthermore, you must effortlessly navigate the legal terminology where incapacidade and the noun form o incapaz have strict definitions regarding civil rights and autonomy. Your vocabulary should seamlessly integrate advanced collocations, such as manifestamente incapaz (manifestly incapable) or totalmente incapaz (totally incapable), to add emphasis and rhetorical flair to your arguments. At this level, the challenge is not grammatical—you already know the plural and the preposition de—but rather stylistic. You must know exactly when incapaz provides the perfect dramatic or critical tone compared to a softer alternative. It becomes a tool for persuasion, deep character analysis, and high-level abstract reasoning.
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At the C2 mastery level, your use of incapaz is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You command the word across all registers, from the most colloquial expressions of frustration to the most dense academic and legal treatises. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word, recognizing how the concept of capacity and incapacity shapes societal structures and individual identities in Lusophone cultures. You can play with the word stylistically, perhaps using it ironically or subversively in creative writing. You are fully conversant with the legal nuances of incapacidade civil absolute versus relativa in Brazilian or Portuguese law. In philosophical discourse, you can debate the limits of human cognition, arguing what the human mind is inerentemente incapaz de conceber. Your command of the language allows you to use incapaz as a pivot point in complex, multi-clause sentences, balancing it perfectly with contrasting ideas. You do not just use the word; you understand its cultural resonance, its power to marginalize or critique, and its profound utility in expressing the absolute boundaries of human and systemic potential. It is a word you wield with absolute precision, elegance, and authority.
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مثال‌ها
The Portuguese adjective incapaz is a fundamental word that translates directly to incapable or unable in English. It is used to describe a lack of ability, capacity, power, or qualification to perform a specific action, fulfill a particular role, or experience a certain state. When you use this word, you are expressing a definitive limitation. This limitation can be physical, emotional, intellectual, or even legal. Understanding how to deploy this word effectively will significantly enhance your ability to express boundaries, limitations, and impossibilities in Portuguese. Let us explore the various dimensions of this essential vocabulary word. The word is composed of the negative prefix in and the root capaz, meaning capable. This straightforward morphology makes it relatively easy for English speakers to remember and understand. In daily conversation, you will frequently hear native speakers use it to express frustration, honesty about their limitations, or objective assessments of a situation or person. For example, someone might say they are incapaz de mentir to emphasize their honesty, or a manager might describe a system as incapaz de processar os dados to indicate a technical failure.

Ele é incapaz de machucar uma mosca.

Sinto-me incapaz de resolver este problema sozinho.

O governo foi incapaz de conter a crise financeira.

Ela chorou, sentindo-se totalmente incapaz.

Um líder não pode parecer incapaz diante de sua equipe.

The emotional weight of the word can vary significantly depending on the context. Sometimes it is a neutral, objective statement of fact. Other times, it carries a heavy emotional burden, expressing feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, or despair. Let us look at some specific categories of meaning to deepen our understanding.
Physical Inability
Refers to a lack of physical strength, stamina, or physical means to accomplish a task. For example, being unable to lift a heavy box or unable to run a marathon due to an injury.
Emotional Inability
Refers to psychological or emotional barriers that prevent someone from doing something. For example, being unable to forgive someone, unable to speak in public due to anxiety, or unable to cope with grief.
Technical Inability
Refers to machines, systems, or organizations that lack the capacity or programming to perform a function. For example, a computer unable to run a specific software program.
The versatility of this word makes it indispensable. Whether you are navigating a workplace environment, discussing personal feelings with a friend, or reading a news article about political events, you will encounter this word. It bridges the gap between simple vocabulary and more complex, nuanced expressions of human and systemic limitations. By mastering its use, you take a significant step towards fluency in Portuguese, allowing you to articulate boundaries and capacities with precision and confidence.
Using the word incapaz correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior, particularly its relationship with prepositions and verbs. As an adjective, it must agree in number with the noun it modifies, though its form remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The singular form is incapaz, and the plural form is incapazes. The most crucial grammatical rule to remember is that when you want to express being incapable of doing something, you must use the preposition de followed by an infinitive verb. This structure, ser/estar incapaz de + infinitivo, is the backbone of how this word operates in everyday Portuguese. Let us examine this through various examples and structures to solidify your understanding.

Nós somos incapazes de prever o futuro com exatidão.

Eles se mostraram incapazes de chegar a um acordo pacífico.

A máquina velha é incapaz de rodar este programa moderno.

Você acha que eu seria incapaz de te ajudar neste momento difícil?

Muitas vezes, a mente humana é incapaz de compreender o infinito.

You can use it with the verb ser to indicate a permanent or inherent characteristic. For example, Ele é incapaz de mentir implies that it is against his nature to lie. Conversely, using it with the verb estar or sentir-se indicates a temporary state or a subjective feeling. Sinto-me incapaz de trabalhar hoje means I feel unable to work today, perhaps due to illness or fatigue, but it is not a permanent trait. To further clarify, let us break down the common syntactical patterns you will encounter.
Subject + Ser + Incapaz + De + Infinitive
This is the most standard formulation. It states a fact about someone's or something's ability. Example: O cachorro é incapaz de morder. (The dog is incapable of biting).
Subject + Sentir-se + Incapaz + De + Infinitive
This pattern focuses on the internal, subjective experience of inability, often tied to emotions, confidence, or temporary mental states. Example: Ela se sente incapaz de perdoar. (She feels unable to forgive).
Noun + Incapaz (as a direct modifier)
Here, the adjective directly modifies a noun to describe an incompetent person or an inadequate thing. Example: Ele é um gerente incapaz. (He is an incapable manager). This usage is often highly critical or derogatory when applied to professionals.
Mastering these patterns will allow you to express a wide range of nuances, from objective technical limitations to deep emotional vulnerabilities. Practice combining the word with different verbs and subjects to build muscle memory for the ser/estar incapaz de structure, as it is one of the most reliable and frequently used patterns in the Portuguese language.
The word incapaz is incredibly pervasive in Portuguese, appearing across a wide spectrum of daily life, media, professional environments, and casual conversations. It is not a word reserved for formal writing; rather, it is a highly functional piece of everyday vocabulary that native speakers rely on constantly. Understanding the contexts in which this word naturally arises will help you recognize it instantly and use it appropriately. You will hear it in dramatic soap operas, in serious news broadcasts, in workplace performance reviews, and in intimate conversations between friends. Let us explore these diverse environments to give you a comprehensive feel for the word's natural habitat. In the realm of news and politics, incapaz is frequently used by journalists and commentators to criticize government actions, institutional failures, or economic policies. It is a strong word to denote incompetence on a grand scale.

O prefeito foi acusado de ser incapaz de administrar a cidade durante a tempestade.

O sistema de saúde está incapaz de atender a tantos pacientes.

A oposição chamou o ministro de incapaz e exigiu sua renúncia.

A polícia foi incapaz de encontrar o suspeito após semanas de busca.

As negociações falharam porque ambos os lados foram incapazes de ceder.

In personal relationships and emotional discussions, the word takes on a different tone. It is used to express vulnerability, frustration, or emotional blockages. Friends might confess to each other that they feel incapaz of moving on from a breakup, or a parent might say they are incapaz of understanding their teenager's behavior. Let us categorize these common listening environments for better retention.
News and Journalism
Used to report on systemic failures, political incompetence, or the inability of organizations to meet goals. Expect to hear it frequently in economic and political reporting.
Psychology and Self-Help
Commonly used to discuss mental health, limiting beliefs, and emotional hurdles. Phrases like sentir-se incapaz (feeling incapable) are standard in therapy and self-improvement discussions.
Everyday Problem Solving
Used casually to describe everyday frustrations, like a phone being unable to connect to Wi-Fi, or someone being unable to open a tight jar. It scales perfectly from profound emotional issues to trivial daily annoyances.
By paying attention to these contexts, you will start noticing incapaz everywhere. Its utility lies in its broad applicability, making it a high-value word for any Portuguese learner aiming for fluency and natural comprehension.
When English speakers learn the Portuguese word incapaz, they often make a few predictable grammatical and contextual errors. Because the English word incapable operates similarly, learners sometimes assume a one-to-one mapping that ignores Portuguese syntax rules. The most frequent errors involve incorrect prepositions, failure to make plural agreements, and misunderstanding the subtle differences between physical inability and lack of permission. By highlighting these common pitfalls, we can ensure you use the word accurately and sound more like a native speaker. Let us dive into the specific mistakes and how to correct them immediately. The absolute most common mistake is forgetting the preposition de when an infinitive verb follows. In English, we say incapable of doing, and in Portuguese, it must be incapaz de fazer. Many learners drop the de or use a different preposition.

Incorreto: Ele é incapaz fazer isso. / Correto: Ele é incapaz de fazer isso.

Incorreto: Nós somos incapaz de ajudar. / Correto: Nós somos incapazes de ajudar.

Incorreto: Ela está incapaz para trabalhar. / Correto: Ela está incapaz de trabalhar.

Incorreto: Eles sentem incapazes. / Correto: Eles se sentem incapazes.

Incorreto: O sistema é incapaz que processar. / Correto: O sistema é incapaz de processar.

Another significant error is confusing inability with a lack of permission. If you are not allowed to do something, you should use não poder (cannot/may not) or não ter permissão, rather than incapaz. Incapaz implies a lack of skill, strength, or emotional capacity, not a rule restriction. Let us break down these errors into clear categories to help you self-correct during conversation.
The Missing Preposition
Never say incapaz followed immediately by a verb. Always insert de. This is the structural glue that holds the phrase together in Portuguese.
Pluralization Failures
When referring to nós, vocês, eles, or elas, the adjective must be pluralized to incapazes. English adjectives do not change for plural subjects, which causes native English speakers to forget this crucial step.
Semantic Confusion with Permission
Reserve incapaz for actual inability (skill, strength, mental state). Do not use it when you simply mean you are forbidden or prohibited from doing something. Use the negative form of poder instead.
By keeping these three main pitfalls in mind—the preposition de, the plural form incapazes, and the distinction from permission—you will avoid the vast majority of mistakes associated with this word and communicate your limitations clearly and correctly.
While incapaz is an excellent and highly versatile word, Portuguese offers a rich tapestry of synonyms and related terms that can add nuance, precision, and variety to your vocabulary. Depending on whether you are talking about professional incompetence, physical disability, or a temporary lack of skill, choosing the right alternative can make your speech sound much more sophisticated and native-like. Let us explore the landscape of words that share similar meanings with incapaz, examining their subtle differences and the specific contexts where they shine. Understanding these alternatives will prevent you from overusing incapaz and allow you to tailor your language to the exact situation.

O novo diretor provou ser totalmente incompetente para o cargo.

Devido ao acidente, ele está impossibilitado de andar temporariamente.

O candidato foi considerado inapto nos exames médicos.

Ela é muito inábil com trabalhos manuais.

Ele se sentiu impotente diante de tanta injustiça.

Words like incompetente, impossibilitado, inapto, inábil, and impotente all intersect with the concept of inability, but they carry distinct flavors. Incompetente carries a strong judgment about professional or intellectual failure. Impossibilitado suggests an external factor or physical condition preventing action. Inapto is often used in official or medical contexts to denote a lack of fitness for a specific role. Let us detail these comparisons to build your synonym map.
Incapaz vs. Incompetente
Incapaz is a general inability (I am incapable of lifting this). Incompetente is a specific lack of required skills, usually in a job or task (The accountant is incompetent). Incompetente is much more insulting in a professional context.
Incapaz vs. Impossibilitado
Incapaz often implies an internal lack of ability. Impossibilitado strongly implies an external constraint or a temporary physical condition. If a storm blocks the road, you are impossibilitado de viajar, not necessarily incapaz (you still know how to drive, but it is impossible).
Incapaz vs. Inapto
Inapto specifically means unfit or unsuitable for a particular purpose, often determined by a test or evaluation. A soldier might be declared inapto for combat due to poor eyesight. It is more formal and clinical than incapaz.
Expanding your vocabulary with these alternatives will greatly enhance your descriptive power in Portuguese, allowing you to articulate the exact nature of an inability with precision and cultural appropriateness.
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مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

Ele é incapaz de nadar.

He is incapable of swimming.

Use 'de' before the verb 'nadar'.

2

O bebê é incapaz de andar.

The baby is unable to walk.

'Incapaz' describes the baby's current ability.

3

Sou incapaz de comer tudo isso.

I am unable to eat all this.

'Sou' is the first person singular of 'ser'.

4

A porta está incapaz de abrir.

The door is unable to open. (Broken)

Used here to describe a broken object.

5

Ela é incapaz de mentir.

She is incapable of lying.

A common phrase to describe an honest person.

6

O carro é incapaz de subir.

The car is unable to go up.

Describing a machine's limitation.

7

Eles são incapazes de ver.

They are unable to see.

Notice the plural form 'incapazes'.

8

Você é incapaz de fazer isso.

You are incapable of doing that.

Direct statement of inability.

1

Sinto-me incapaz de resolver este problema de matemática.

I feel incapable of solving this math problem.

'Sentir-se incapaz' expresses a subjective feeling of inability.

2

O meu computador velho é incapaz de rodar este jogo.

My old computer is incapable of running this game.

Applying the adjective to technology.

3

Nós fomos incapazes de chegar a tempo para o filme.

We were unable to arrive in time for the movie.

Past tense 'fomos' with plural 'incapazes'.

4

Ela chorou porque se sentiu incapaz de ajudar o amigo.

She cried because she felt unable to help her friend.

Connecting emotion with the feeling of inability.

5

É triste ver um animal incapaz de se defender.

It is sad to see an animal incapable of defending itself.

Using a reflexive verb 'se defender' after 'de'.

6

Muitas pessoas são incapazes de guardar um segredo.

Many people are incapable of keeping a secret.

A general statement about human behavior.

7

O chefe disse que ele era incapaz para o trabalho.

The boss said he was incapable for the job.

Sometimes used with 'para' when referring to a specific role, though 'de' is more common with verbs.

8

Fiquei incapaz de falar quando vi a surpresa.

I became unable to speak when I saw the surprise.

'Ficar incapaz' means to become unable.

1

A empresa provou ser incapaz de inovar no mercado atual.

The company proved to be incapable of innovating in the current market.

Used in a business context to describe organizational failure.

2

Apesar de todo o esforço, ele continuava incapaz de perdoá-la.

Despite all the effort, he remained incapable of forgiving her.

Expressing a deep, persistent emotional block.

3

O advogado argumentou que o réu era mentalmente incapaz.

The lawyer argued that the defendant was mentally incapable.

Introduction to pseudo-legal/medical terminology.

4

Eles se mostraram totalmente incapazes de gerenciar a crise financeira.

They showed themselves totally incapable of managing the financial crisis.

Using the adverb 'totalmente' for emphasis.

5

É frustrante quando você se sente incapaz de mudar sua própria vida.

It is frustrating when you feel incapable of changing your own life.

Reflective, psychological use of the word.

6

O sistema imunológico dele estava incapaz de combater a infecção.

His immune system was incapable of fighting the infection.

Scientific/medical context.

7

Muitos líderes são incapazes de aceitar críticas construtivas.

Many leaders are incapable of accepting constructive criticism.

Describing character flaws.

8

A ponte antiga era incapaz de suportar o peso dos caminhões modernos.

The old bridge was incapable of supporting the weight of modern trucks.

Describing physical/structural limits.

1

A complexidade do universo muitas vezes nos faz sentir intelectualmente incapazes.

The complexity of the universe often makes us feel intellectually incapable.

Abstract use combining adverbs and complex emotions.

2

A oposição acusa o atual governo de ser cronicamente incapaz de aprovar reformas.

The opposition accuses the current government of being chronically incapable of passing reforms.

Political discourse with advanced vocabulary ('cronicamente').

3

Perante a lei, um menor de idade é considerado civilmente incapaz.

Before the law, a minor is considered civilly incapable.

Strict legal terminology ('civilmente incapaz').

4

A sua teimosia o torna incapaz de enxergar as nuances da situação.

His stubbornness makes him incapable of seeing the nuances of the situation.

Using 'tornar' (to make) + incapaz.

5

A crítica literária considerou o autor incapaz de desenvolver personagens femininas complexas.

The literary critique considered the author incapable of developing complex female characters.

Academic/literary critique context.

6

Foi uma tragédia anunciada, mas as autoridades foram incapazes de agir preventivamente.

It was an announced tragedy, but the authorities were incapable of acting preventively.

Discussing systemic failure and prevention.

7

O trauma a deixou emocionalmente incapaz de estabelecer novos vínculos afetivos.

The trauma left her emotionally incapable of establishing new affective bonds.

Psychological analysis using 'deixar' + incapaz.

8

A teoria econômica clássica parece incapaz de prever esses novos choques de mercado.

Classical economic theory seems incapable of predicting these new market shocks.

Academic discussion of theoretical limits.

1

A retórica vazia do candidato revelou um político manifestamente incapaz de formular políticas públicas coerentes.

The candidate's empty rhetoric revealed a politician manifestly incapable of formulating coherent public policies.

High-level political critique using 'manifestamente'.

2

Há uma melancolia inerente naqueles que se descobrem incapazes de transcender sua própria mediocridade.

There is an inherent melancholy in those who discover themselves incapable of transcending their own mediocrity.

Philosophical/literary tone with complex vocabulary.

3

O ordenamento jurídico prevê a interdição daqueles que são absolutamente incapazes de exercer os atos da vida civil.

The legal system provides for the interdiction of those who are absolutely incapable of exercising the acts of civil life.

Precise legal jargon ('absolutamente incapazes', 'atos da vida civil').

4

A burocracia estatal, engessada por regulamentos arcaicos, mostra-se estruturalmente incapaz de responder à agilidade exigida pel

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