cabe 30秒で

  • Verb 'caber' (3rd person singular present: cabe).
  • Means to fit in a space or container.
  • Also used figuratively for suitability.
  • Subject is singular.
Verb Conjugation
'Caber' is an irregular verb. The third-person singular present indicative form is 'cabe', meaning 'it fits' or 'he/she fits'.
Core Meaning
The primary meaning of 'caber' is to fit within a specific space, volume, or container. Think of physical objects occupying space.
Figurative Use
Beyond physical fitting, 'caber' can also refer to something being appropriate, suitable, or fitting within a particular context, idea, or group. It implies a sense of belonging or alignment.

This suitcase is too big; nothing else cabe.

Does this idea caber in our budget?

Capacity and Limits
'Cabe' is frequently used when discussing how much can fit into something. For example, 'En esta caja, solo cabe un libro.' (In this box, only one book fits.) It highlights the limitations of a space.
Suitability and Appropriateness
In a more abstract sense, 'caber' can mean to be suitable or appropriate. For instance, 'No creo que esa actitud caber en este ambiente.' (I don't think that attitude fits in this environment.) This usage implies a lack of harmony or congruence.

The entire family cabe in the car.

Physical Space
The most common use of 'cabe' involves physical objects and spaces. It answers the question of whether something fits. For example, '¿Cabe mi maleta en el compartimento superior?' (Does my suitcase fit in the overhead compartment?). The answer could be 'Sí, cabe perfectamente' (Yes, it fits perfectly) or 'No, no cabe' (No, it doesn't fit).

The large pizza cabe on this small table.

Capacity of Containers
When talking about how much a container can hold, 'caber' is essential. 'En este vaso, solo cabe un dedo de agua.' (In this glass, only a finger's width of water fits.) This emphasizes the precise capacity or limitation.

Can you believe that this tiny box cabe all my jewelry?

Figurative Appropriateness
In abstract contexts, 'caber' signifies suitability or fitting in. 'Ese comentario no cabe en una conversación seria.' (That comment doesn't fit in a serious conversation.) This implies that the comment is out of place or inappropriate for the situation.

Her flamboyant style cabe perfectly in the art world.

Figurative Belonging
Sometimes, 'caber' implies fitting into a group or category. 'No creo que yo caber en este grupo de amigos.' (I don't think I fit in with this group of friends.) This suggests a feeling of not belonging.
Everyday Conversations
You'll hear 'cabe' constantly in everyday Spanish. When people are packing, moving, or organizing, they'll ask, '¿Cabe?' (Does it fit?) or say, 'No cabe' (It doesn't fit). This applies to everything from a small box to a large piece of furniture.

A friend packing a car might say, '¡Uf, esto no cabe!' (Ugh, this doesn't fit!).

Shopping and Retail
In stores, especially those selling furniture, appliances, or even clothing, salespeople might use 'caber' to describe the capacity of items. 'Esta lavadora cabe en el espacio que tiene.' (This washing machine fits in the space you have.)

A store assistant might ask, '¿Quiere que midamos para ver si cabe en su cocina?' (Would you like us to measure to see if it fits in your kitchen?).

Discussions about Space and Housing
When people discuss their homes, apartments, or even offices, 'caber' is used to talk about how things fit or don't fit. 'Mi sofá es demasiado grande, no cabe por la puerta.' (My sofa is too big, it doesn't fit through the door.)

Someone complaining about a small apartment might say, 'Apenas cabe una cama aquí.' (Barely a bed fits here.)

Abstract and Figurative Use
In more sophisticated conversations, 'caber' appears when discussing ideas, concepts, or social situations. For example, when talking about fitting into a particular social group or whether an idea aligns with a certain philosophy. 'Su propuesta no cabe en nuestra estrategia.' (His proposal doesn't fit into our strategy.)
Confusing with 'Entrar'
Learners often confuse 'caber' (to fit) with 'entrar' (to enter). While related, they are not interchangeable. 'Entrar' focuses on the action of going into a space, while 'caber' focuses on the possibility or ability of something to occupy that space. For example, 'El coche entra en el garaje' (The car enters the garage) is correct, but if you want to say the car fits, you'd say 'El coche cabe en el garaje'.

Incorrect: El libro entra en la mochila.

Correct: El libro cabe en la mochila.

Incorrect Conjugation
'Caber' is an irregular verb, and its conjugation can be tricky. The third-person singular present indicative is 'cabe', but learners might incorrectly conjugate it based on regular -er verbs, or forget the 'b'. Forgetting the 'b' might lead to 'cae', which means 'falls'.

Incorrect: La silla cae en el rincón.

Correct: La silla cabe en el rincón.

Overlooking Plural Forms
While 'cabe' is the singular form, it's crucial to remember the plural form 'caben' when the subject is plural. Forgetting this leads to grammatical errors. For instance, saying 'Los libros cabe en la estantería' instead of 'Los libros caben en la estantería'.

Incorrect: Las maletas cabe en el maletero.

Correct: Las maletas caben en el maletero.

Misinterpreting Figurative Use
When 'caber' is used figuratively to mean suitability or appropriateness, learners might try to translate it too literally, expecting a direct synonym for 'suitable'. While 'suitable' is part of the meaning, the verb 'caber' conveys a sense of fitting within a context or framework, rather than just being appropriate.
'Entrar' (To Enter)
'Entrar' focuses on the action of moving into a space. 'Cabe' focuses on the capacity or possibility of fitting. You can 'entrar' somewhere even if you barely fit or if it's not meant for you. 'Cabe' implies that the space is sufficient.
Example: 'El niño entra en la casa' (The child enters the house) vs. 'El niño cabe en la silla pequeña' (The child fits in the small chair).
'Acomodar(se)' (To Accommodate / To Settle In)
'Acomodar' can mean to make something fit or to arrange it. 'Acomodarse' means to settle into a space. While related to fitting, 'acomodar' often implies an active effort to make something fit, whereas 'caber' is about the inherent possibility.
Example: 'Voy a acomodar la ropa en el armario' (I'm going to arrange the clothes in the closet) vs. 'Toda esta ropa cabe en el armario' (All these clothes fit in the closet).
'Poder' (To Be Able To / Can)
'Poder' is a general verb for ability. While something that 'cabe' is 'able to fit', 'poder' is broader. You could say 'El libro puede entrar en la bolsa' (The book can go into the bag), but 'El libro cabe en la bolsa' is more specific about the space available.
Example: 'Puedo sentarme aquí' (I can sit here) vs. 'Cabe una persona más en el asiento' (One more person fits in the seat).
'Ser adecuado/apropiado' (To Be Suitable/Appropriate)
These phrases are good alternatives for the figurative meaning of 'caber' (to fit in a context). 'Cabe' is more concise and idiomatic when it applies.
Example: 'Esta solución no es adecuada para el problema' (This solution is not suitable for the problem) vs. 'Esta solución no cabe en nuestro plan' (This solution doesn't fit into our plan).
'Incluir' (To Include)
'Incluir' means to contain or comprise. While something that fits might be included, 'caber' focuses on the spatial or contextual possibility, not the act of inclusion itself.
Example: 'El precio incluye el desayuno' (The price includes breakfast) vs. 'Todo el equipaje cabe en el coche' (All the luggage fits in the car).

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"No cabe justificación para tal acto."

ニュートラル

"El libro cabe en la mochila."

カジュアル

"¡Uf, no cabe nada más!"

Child friendly

"El osito cabe en la cajita."

豆知識

The Latin root 'capere' is also the source of many English words related to holding or containing, such as 'capture', 'capacity', 'caption', and 'capable'. This connection highlights the ancient concept of something being held or contained within limits.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈkæ.beɪ/
US /ˈkæ.beɪ/
First syllable: CA-be
韻が合う語
sabe llave grave clave habe
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing 'ca' like 'ka' in 'car'.
  • Pronouncing 'be' like 'bee'.
  • Adding an extra syllable or misplacing the stress.

難易度

読解 2/5

The basic meaning of 'cabe' is straightforward for A2 learners. However, its irregular conjugation and figurative uses can pose challenges for higher levels. Understanding the distinction between 'caber' and 'entrar' is key.

ライティング 2/5

Using 'cabe' correctly requires attention to subject-verb agreement (singular vs. plural) and distinguishing its literal from figurative meanings. Irregular conjugations also need practice.

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation is generally simple, but recalling the correct conjugation and choosing between literal and figurative meanings in spontaneous speech can be difficult.

リスニング 2/5

Recognizing 'cabe' in context is usually manageable, especially in discussions about space or capacity. However, understanding its figurative nuances requires more advanced listening skills.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

libro caja coche casa entrar tener ser

次に学ぶ

cupiera quepa cabida sobresalir desbordar

上級

irónico paradójico congruente incongruente limitación

知っておくべき文法

Subject-Verb Agreement (Singular vs. Plural)

El gato cabe en la caja. (Singular subject 'gato' with singular verb 'cabe'). Los gatos caben en la caja. (Plural subject 'gatos' with plural verb 'caben').

Use of Subjunctive Mood

Quiero que el coche quepa en el garaje. (I want the car to fit in the garage. 'Quepa' is subjunctive after 'quiero que').

Use of Preterite Tense

El paquete cupo en la caja ayer. (The package fit in the box yesterday. 'Cupo' is the preterite for a completed action in the past).

Idiomatic Expressions

No cabe duda de que es importante. (There is no doubt that it is important. This is a fixed phrase).

Figurative Language

Su actitud no cabe en este equipo. (His attitude doesn't fit this team. This is a metaphorical use of 'caber').

レベル別の例文

1

Mi libro cabe en la mochila.

My book fits in the backpack.

'Cabe' is the third-person singular present indicative of 'caber'.

2

No cabe más comida.

More food does not fit.

Used with negation to indicate lack of space.

3

¿Cabe mi cabeza aquí?

Does my head fit here?

Common question when testing space.

4

Solo cabe una persona.

Only one person fits.

Indicates a limit or capacity.

5

El gato cabe en la caja.

The cat fits in the box.

Simple statement of fitting.

6

No cabe el sofá.

The sofa does not fit.

Common scenario during moving.

7

Cabe un poco de agua.

A little bit of water fits.

Describes a small quantity fitting.

8

Todo cabe aquí.

Everything fits here.

Expresses that the space is sufficient for everything.

1

En este coche, cabemos cinco personas.

In this car, five people fit.

Plural subject 'cinco personas' requires 'cabemos' (first person plural) if the speaker is included, or 'caben' if referring to a third person capacity.

2

¿Cabe esta maleta en el maletero?

Does this suitcase fit in the trunk?

'Maleta' is singular, so 'cabe' is used.

3

No cabe duda de que es verdad.

There is no doubt that it is true.

Idiomatic expression: 'no cabe duda' means 'there is no doubt'.

4

El problema no cabe en esta explicación.

The problem does not fit into this explanation.

Figurative use: the problem is too complex for the explanation.

5

Cada cosa en su lugar, así cabe todo.

Everything in its place, so everything fits.

Proverbial saying emphasizing order.

6

Ella cree que su idea cabe en el proyecto.

She believes her idea fits into the project.

Figurative use: suitability within a plan.

7

En esta habitación, apenas cabe una cama.

In this room, barely a bed fits.

'Apenas' emphasizes the limited space.

8

No cabe esperar milagros.

One cannot expect miracles.

Idiomatic expression: 'no cabe esperar' means 'it is not reasonable to expect'.

1

El nuevo diseño del coche cabe perfectamente en el garaje.

The new car design fits perfectly in the garage.

'Cabe' agrees with the singular subject 'diseño'.

2

Es difícil creer que tanta información quepa en un solo libro.

It's hard to believe so much information fits into a single book.

'Quepa' is the present subjunctive of 'caber', used after 'es difícil creer que'.

3

No cabe la menor duda de su inocencia.

There is not the slightest doubt of his innocence.

More emphatic version of 'no cabe duda'.

4

Su comportamiento no cabe en las normas de la empresa.

His behavior does not fit within the company's rules.

Figurative use: appropriateness within a set of regulations.

5

Intentamos que todo el equipaje cupiera en el avión.

We tried to make all the luggage fit on the plane.

'Cupiera' is the imperfect subjunctive of 'caber', used after 'intentamos que'.

6

No cabe la menor posibilidad de que eso ocurra.

There is not the slightest possibility of that happening.

Similar to 'no cabe duda', emphasizing impossibility.

7

El espacio disponible es limitado, así que solo cabe lo esencial.

The available space is limited, so only the essential fits.

Connects limited space with fitting only essentials.

8

El artista busca que su obra quepa en el contexto de la exposición.

The artist seeks for his work to fit within the context of the exhibition.

'Quepa' (subjunctive) after 'busca que'.

1

Ante la magnitud del problema, no cabe justificación para la inacción.

Given the magnitude of the problem, there is no justification for inaction.

'Cabe' used in a formal context to mean 'there is room for' or 'is justifiable'.

2

La capacidad de almacenamiento es tal que todo el contenido puede caber sin problemas.

The storage capacity is such that all content can fit without problems.

'Cabe' agrees with the singular subject 'contenido'.

3

Es imperativo que cada pieza del rompecabezas quepa perfectamente para formar la imagen completa.

It is imperative that each piece of the puzzle fits perfectly to form the complete picture.

'Quepa' (subjunctive) after 'imperativo que'.

4

Su argumento no cabe dentro de los parámetros establecidos por la teoría.

His argument does not fit within the parameters established by the theory.

Figurative use in academic or theoretical contexts.

5

El arquitecto diseñó el edificio de manera que todos los apartamentos cupieran cómodamente.

The architect designed the building so that all apartments would fit comfortably.

'Cupieran' (imperfect subjunctive) used to express purpose in the past.

6

No cabe esperar que la situación mejore drásticamente sin intervención.

One cannot expect the situation to improve drastically without intervention.

Formal expression of unreasonableness.

7

La nueva normativa busca asegurar que todos los ciudadanos quepan dentro del sistema de seguridad social.

The new regulation seeks to ensure that all citizens fit within the social security system.

'Quepan' (subjunctive) after 'asegurar que'.

8

El volumen de datos es tan grande que apenas cabe en los servidores actuales.

The volume of data is so large that it barely fits on the current servers.

Emphasizes the challenge of fitting large amounts of data.

1

La sutileza de su crítica no cabe en una simple refutación; requiere un análisis más profundo.

The subtlety of his criticism does not fit into a simple refutation; it requires a deeper analysis.

Figurative use in intellectual discourse, implying complexity beyond simple categorization.

2

El desafío reside en diseñar un sistema donde cada componente quepa armónicamente con los demás.

The challenge lies in designing a system where each component fits harmoniously with the others.

'Quepa' (subjunctive) after 'donde'.

3

No cabe la menor posibilidad de que se haya producido un error humano en este cálculo.

There is not the slightest possibility of a human error having occurred in this calculation.

Formal and emphatic denial of possibility.

4

El director artístico pretendía que la escenografía cupiera a la perfección en el reducido espacio del teatro.

The artistic director intended for the stage design to fit perfectly in the theater's limited space.

'Cupiera' (imperfect subjunctive) expressing the intention of the director.

5

La propuesta de reforma no cabe dentro del marco ideológico del partido.

The reform proposal does not fit within the party's ideological framework.

Figurative use in political science and ideology.

6

Se argumenta que no cabe esperar una solución rápida a un problema tan arraigado.

It is argued that one cannot expect a quick solution to such a deep-rooted problem.

Formal and nuanced expression of expectation.

7

La tecnología actual permite que volúmenes de datos inimaginables quepan en dispositivos portátiles.

Current technology allows unimaginable volumes of data to fit into portable devices.

'Quepan' (subjunctive) after 'permite que'.

8

El mecenas deseaba que su legado cupiera en la historia del arte.

The patron wished for his legacy to fit into art history.

'Cupiera' (imperfect subjunctive) expressing a desire for lasting impact.

1

En la vasta obra de Cervantes, cada personaje y situación cabe con una precisión casi matemática.

In the vast work of Cervantes, each character and situation fits with almost mathematical precision.

Elevated language, 'cabe' used to describe perfect integration within a complex literary work.

2

La complejidad del debate ético es tal que no cabe una simplificación excesiva sin distorsionar la verdad.

The complexity of the ethical debate is such that excessive simplification is not possible without distorting the truth.

Philosophical and formal usage, 'cabe' implying logical or ethical possibility.

3

El desafío para el historiador es discernir cómo cada evento histórico cupo en el tapiz general de la civilización.

The challenge for the historian is to discern how each historical event fit into the general tapestry of civilization.

'Cupo' (preterite) for a specific past event fitting into a larger narrative.

4

Su visión vanguardista no cabía en los moldes conservadores de la época, lo que le valió tanto admiración como crítica.

His avant-garde vision did not fit into the conservative molds of the era, earning him both admiration and criticism.

Figurative use describing a person or idea being out of sync with their time.

5

La arquitectura bioclimática busca que cada elemento constructivo quepa en armonía con el entorno natural.

Bioclimatic architecture seeks for each construction element to fit in harmony with the natural environment.

'Quepa' (subjunctive) after 'busca que', emphasizing environmental integration.

6

No cabe la menor objeción a la validez de sus hallazgos, corroborados por múltiples estudios.

There is not the slightest objection to the validity of his findings, corroborated by multiple studies.

Highly formal and assertive statement of incontrovertibility.

7

El desarrollo tecnológico actual permite que cantidades ingentes de información quepan en la palma de la mano.

Current technological development allows immense quantities of information to fit in the palm of the hand.

'Quepan' (subjunctive) after 'permite que', emphasizing the scale of modern technology.

8

El filósofo reflexionaba sobre si la verdad absoluta podría caber en el lenguaje humano.

The philosopher reflected on whether absolute truth could fit into human language.

Philosophical speculation using 'caber' for abstract concepts.

よく使う組み合わせ

no cabe duda
cabe la posibilidad
cabe esperar
cabe mencionar
cabe todo
cabe un poco
cabe una persona
cabe el mundo
no cabe en sí (de gozo/alegría)
cabe en la cabeza

よく使うフレーズ

No cabe.

— It doesn't fit.

Intenté poner la silla en el rincón, pero no cabe.

¿Cabe?

— Does it fit?

¿Cabe esta caja en el maletero?

Cabe todo.

— Everything fits.

¡Qué bien! Cabe todo en la maleta.

No cabe duda.

— There is no doubt.

No cabe duda de que es la mejor opción.

Cabe la posibilidad.

— There is a possibility.

Cabe la posibilidad de que llueva mañana.

Cabe un poco más.

— A little more fits.

Creo que cabe un poco más de ropa en la mochila.

No cabe aquí.

— It doesn't fit here.

Este mueble es demasiado grande, no cabe aquí.

¿Cabe algo más?

— Does anything else fit?

Ya llenamos la bolsa, ¿cabe algo más?

Cabe perfectamente.

— It fits perfectly.

La tapa cabe perfectamente en el recipiente.

No cabe en mi cabeza.

— I can't comprehend it.

Lo que hizo no cabe en mi cabeza.

よく混同される語

cabe vs Entrar

'Entrar' is about the action of going in, while 'caber' is about the ability to fit. You 'entras' in a car, but the car 'cabe' in the garage.

cabe vs Caer

This is a pronunciation confusion. 'Caer' means 'to fall', and its third-person singular present indicative is 'cae'. 'Cabe' means 'fits', and its pronunciation is distinct.

cabe vs Poder

'Poder' means 'can' or 'to be able to'. While something that 'cabe' is 'able to fit', 'caber' is more specific to space and capacity.

慣用句と表現

"No cabe duda"

— There is no doubt; it is certain.

No cabe duda de que el equipo ganará el campeonato.

Neutral
"No cabe en sí (de gozo/alegría)"

— To be extremely happy or overjoyed; to be beside oneself with joy.

Cuando le dieron el premio, no cabía en sí de gozo.

Informal
"Cabe la posibilidad"

— There is a possibility; it is possible.

Cabe la posibilidad de que el vuelo se retrase debido al mal tiempo.

Neutral
"Cabe esperar"

— It is reasonable to expect; one can expect.

Con tanta preparación, cabe esperar un buen desempeño.

Neutral
"Cabe mencionar"

— It is worth mentioning; it should be noted.

Cabe mencionar que el informe también incluye datos históricos.

Formal
"No cabe en mi cabeza"

— I cannot comprehend it; it is unbelievable to me.

No cabe en mi cabeza cómo pudo haber olvidado algo tan importante.

Informal
"Meterse donde no cabe"

— To meddle or interfere where one is not wanted or where it is inappropriate.

Le advertí que no se metiera donde no cabe, pero no me escuchó.

Informal
"Cabe el mundo en su corazón"

— To have a very large capacity for love, empathy, or kindness.

Su generosidad es tan grande que parece que cabe el mundo en su corazón.

Poetic/Figurative
"No cabe en sí de rabia"

— To be extremely angry; to be beside oneself with rage.

Al descubrir la mentira, no cabía en sí de rabia.

Informal
"El tiempo cabe en el reloj"

— Time is running out; there is limited time.

Tenemos que darnos prisa, el tiempo cabe en el reloj.

Figurative

間違えやすい

cabe vs Entrar

Both verbs relate to occupying space.

'Entrar' focuses on the action of moving into a space. 'Caber' focuses on the capacity or possibility of fitting within that space. You can 'entrar' somewhere even if you barely fit, but 'caber' implies that the space is sufficient.

El niño entra en la casa. (The child enters the house.) El niño cabe en la silla pequeña. (The child fits in the small chair.)

cabe vs Caer

Similar pronunciation, especially 'cae' vs 'cabe'.

'Caer' means 'to fall'. 'Cabe' means 'to fit'. The vowel sound in the second syllable is different, and the consonants are different ('b' vs 'r').

El libro cae de la mesa. (The book falls from the table.) El libro cabe en la mochila. (The book fits in the backpack.)

cabe vs Poder

Both can imply ability.

'Poder' is a general verb for ability or possibility. 'Caber' is specifically about fitting within a space or context. If something 'cabe', it implies it 'puede' fit, but 'poder' can be used for many other abilities not related to space.

Puedo levantar esta caja. (I can lift this box.) La caja cabe en el coche. (The box fits in the car.)

cabe vs Acomodar

Both relate to fitting things into spaces.

'Acomodar' often implies an active process of arranging or making something fit, perhaps by adjusting it. 'Caber' is more about the inherent capacity or whether it fits without special effort.

Voy a acomodar los cojines en el sofá. (I'm going to arrange the cushions on the sofa.) Los cojines caben perfectamente en el sofá. (The cushions fit perfectly on the sofa.)

cabe vs Incluir

Sometimes things that fit are also included.

'Incluir' means to contain or comprise as part of a whole. 'Caber' is about fitting into a specific space or context. An item might be 'incluido' in a package, but it must 'caber' within the box.

El precio incluye el desayuno. (The price includes breakfast.) Toda la comida cabe en el refrigerador. (All the food fits in the refrigerator.)

文型パターン

A1

Subject + cabe + en + [place/container].

El lápiz cabe en el estuche.

A1

No cabe + [subject].

No cabe la silla aquí.

A2

¿Cabe + [subject] + en + [place/container]?

¿Cabe mi mochila en el asiento?

A2

No cabe duda de que + [clause].

No cabe duda de que es un buen día.

B1

Subject (plural) + caben + en + [place/container].

Los libros caben en la estantería.

B1

Cabe la posibilidad de que + [subjunctive clause].

Cabe la posibilidad de que llueva, así que lleva un paraguas.

B2

No cabe + [abstract noun] + para/en + [context].

No cabe excusa para la impuntualidad.

C1

El [subject] buscaba que [object] cupiera en [place/context].

El diseñador buscaba que cada elemento cupiera en el diseño general.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

関連

使い方

frequency

Very High

よくある間違い
  • Using 'cabe' with a plural subject. Using 'caben' with a plural subject.

    The verb must agree in number with the subject. If the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. For example, 'Los niños caben en el coche,' not 'Los niños cabe en el coche.'

  • Confusing 'caber' with 'entrar'. Using 'caber' for fitting and 'entrar' for entering.

    'Caber' is about capacity and fitting. 'Entrar' is about the action of going into a space. 'El coche cabe en el garaje' (The car fits in the garage) vs. 'El conductor entra en el coche' (The driver enters the car).

  • Mispronouncing 'caber' as 'caer'. Pronouncing 'caber' with a clear 'b' sound.

    'Caber' means 'to fit'. 'Caer' means 'to fall'. The pronunciation is distinct, especially the middle consonant sound. 'Cabe' has /b/, 'cae' has /ɾ/.

  • Using the wrong tense or mood for figurative meanings. Using the appropriate tense and mood based on context.

    For figurative uses implying possibility or doubt, the subjunctive mood is often required (e.g., 'Espero que quepa.' - I hope it fits). For completed past actions, the preterite is used (e.g., 'El paquete cupo.' - The package fit).

  • Overlooking the figurative meaning. Recognizing and using the figurative meanings of 'caber'.

    'Caber' isn't just about physical space. It can mean to be suitable, appropriate, or comprehensible. For example, 'No cabe en mi cabeza' means 'I can't comprehend it.'

ヒント

Subject-Verb Agreement is Key

Remember that 'cabe' is for singular subjects (he, she, it, the book, the idea) and 'caben' is for plural subjects (they, the books, the ideas). This is the most fundamental rule for using the verb correctly.

Think of Space and Capacity

When you encounter 'caber', think about physical space, containers, limits, and how much can fit. This literal meaning is the foundation for its figurative uses.

Master 'No Cabe Duda'

This fixed expression is extremely common and useful for expressing certainty. Practice using it in different sentences to sound more natural.

Figurative Fits

Don't be surprised when 'caber' is used for abstract concepts like ideas, behaviors, or possibilities. It implies suitability or appropriateness within a given framework.

Clear 'B' Sound

Ensure you pronounce the 'b' sound clearly in 'caber' and distinguish it from 'caer' (to fall), which sounds similar but has a different meaning and spelling.

Write Your Own Sentences

Create sentences about your daily life. 'Mi móvil cabe en mi bolsillo.' (My phone fits in my pocket.) 'No cabe más gente en el ascensor.' (More people don't fit in the elevator.) This active recall is highly effective.

Listen to Native Speakers

Pay attention to how native speakers use 'caber' in conversations, movies, and songs. Notice the contexts and the subjects they use it with.

Vs. 'Entrar'

Remember: 'entrar' is the action of going in, 'caber' is the capacity to fit. You 'entras' into a car, but the luggage 'cabe' in the trunk.

Irregular Verb Alert

'Caber' is irregular. Be sure to learn its key conjugations (preterite 'cupo', subjunctive 'quepa') as they deviate from standard patterns.

Beyond Just Space

While often about physical space, 'caber' can also refer to fitting into a role, a group, or a set of circumstances. Think of it as 'belonging' or 'being appropriate' in a broader sense.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Imagine a very small box. You try to put a big toy inside, but it just won't fit. You say, '¡No cabe!' (It doesn't fit!). The 'ca-' sound can remind you of 'can' (as in 'can it fit?'), and the '-be' sounds like 'be' (as in 'will it be able to be in there?').

視覚的連想

Picture a person trying to squeeze into a tiny car. They are struggling, and someone outside says, '¡Uy, no cabe!' (Oh, it doesn't fit!). The image of being crammed into a small space reinforces the meaning.

Word Web

Fit Space Container Capacity Suitability Appropriateness Room Occupy

チャレンジ

Try to describe five things in your home and whether they fit in their designated places using 'cabe' or 'no cabe'.

語源

The Spanish verb 'caber' comes from the Latin verb 'capere', which means 'to take', 'to hold', 'to contain', or 'to seize'. Over time, its meaning evolved in Romance languages to specifically denote the act of fitting into a space.

元の意味: To take, to hold, to contain, to seize.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Spanish

文化的な背景

When discussing space or capacity, especially in relation to people, it's important to be mindful of context. While 'caber' is a neutral verb, discussions about overcrowding or lack of space can be sensitive.

In English, we use phrases like 'to fit', 'to have room for', or 'to be suitable'. 'Cabe' is a direct and very common verb for these concepts in Spanish.

The idiom 'no cabe duda' is ubiquitous in Spanish, appearing in countless songs, literature, and everyday speech, signifying certainty. Literary works often use 'caber' to describe the limitations of characters' circumstances or their ability to fit into societal norms. In discussions about architecture and urban planning, the concept of 'caber' is fundamental to how spaces are designed and utilized.

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実際の使用場面

Packing luggage for a trip

  • ¿Cabe mi maleta?
  • No cabe nada más.
  • Cabe todo perfectamente.

Arranging furniture in a room

  • ¿Cabe el sofá aquí?
  • Este mueble no cabe.
  • Necesitamos más espacio para que quepa todo.

Discussing the capacity of a vehicle

  • ¿Cuántas personas caben?
  • Cabe un conductor y cuatro pasajeros.
  • No cabe más equipaje.

Figurative suitability of an idea or action

  • No cabe esa actitud aquí.
  • Tu propuesta cabe en nuestro plan.
  • No cabe duda de que es correcto.

Talking about small spaces

  • Apenas cabe una persona.
  • En esta caja cabe poco.
  • Cabe un poquito más.

会話のきっかけ

"What's the smallest container you've ever seen something fit into?"

"When was the last time you said 'no cabe' about something you were trying to pack?"

"Can you think of a time when an idea or a comment didn't 'caber' in a particular situation?"

"If you had to describe your current living space using 'caber', what would you say?"

"What's something you wish could 'caber' in your bag right now?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a situation where you had to pack something very carefully to make sure it would 'caber'. What were the challenges?

Reflect on a time when someone's behavior or words did not 'caber' in a social setting. How did you feel about it?

Imagine you are designing a new product. What are the key considerations regarding its 'capacidad' or how it will 'caber' in people's lives?

Write a short story where the main conflict involves something not being able to 'caber'.

Think about a belief or opinion you hold strongly. How does it 'caber' or not 'caber' with other perspectives you encounter?

よくある質問

10 問

The main difference lies in focus. 'Entrar' describes the *action* of going into a space (e.g., 'El perro entra en la casa' - The dog enters the house). 'Caber' describes the *capacity* or the ability of something to fit within that space (e.g., 'El perro cabe en la cesta' - The dog fits in the basket). You can 'entrar' somewhere even if you don't 'caber' comfortably.

It depends on the subject of the sentence. If the subject is singular (e.g., 'el libro', 'la idea', 'él', 'ella'), you use 'cabe'. If the subject is plural (e.g., 'los libros', 'las ideas', 'ellos', 'ellas'), you use 'caben'. For example: 'El coche cabe en el garaje.' (The car fits in the garage.) 'Los coches caben en el garaje.' (The cars fit in the garage.)

No, 'caber' has a very common figurative meaning. It can mean to be suitable, appropriate, or to fit within a context, idea, or group. For example, 'Su comentario no cabe en esta conversación.' (His comment doesn't fit in this conversation.)

'No cabe duda' is a very common idiom that translates to 'there is no doubt' or 'it is certain'. It's used to express strong conviction about something. For example, 'No cabe duda de que ganaremos.' (There is no doubt that we will win.)

'Caber' is an irregular verb. The preterite is 'cupo' (singular) and 'cupieron' (plural). The imperfect subjunctive is 'cupiera'/'cupiese' (singular) and 'cupieran'/'cupiesen' (plural). The present subjunctive is 'quepa' (singular) and 'quepan' (plural). It's important to learn these irregular forms.

Yes, absolutely. For example, 'No cabe la menor posibilidad de que eso ocurra.' (There is not the slightest possibility of that happening.) or 'Su argumento no cabe dentro de los parámetros establecidos.' (His argument does not fit within the established parameters.)

'Tener cabida' is a phrase that means 'to have room for' or 'to have space for'. It's very similar in meaning to 'caber', often used when referring to capacity in a more descriptive way. 'Este salón tiene cabida para 200 personas.' (This hall has room for 200 people.) This is essentially saying 'En este salón caben 200 personas.'

Yes, they share a common Latin root ('caput' for head, related to 'capere' for to take/hold). While not directly interchangeable, the idea of 'head' as the top or containing part can be seen as a distant connection to the concept of fitting or containing.

Try describing your surroundings: 'Mi cama cabe en mi habitación.' (My bed fits in my room.) 'No cabe mi sofá en el salón.' (My sofa doesn't fit in the living room.) Also, practice the idiom 'no cabe duda' in various contexts.

The most common mistakes are confusing it with 'entrar', misconjugating the irregular forms (especially the 'b'), and forgetting to use 'caben' for plural subjects instead of 'cabe'.

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