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قابلیت

B1 noun #1,800 most common 4 min read

قابلیت

Q: What is the plural?

قابلیتها (Ghābeliyat-hā).

ghaabeliyat Top 1,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips قابلیت in 30 Seconds

Explanation قابلیت in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'قابلیت' often. You might hear it in very simple contexts like 'This phone is good' (این گوشی قابلیت‌های خوبی دارد), but usually, you would just use simple adjectives. Think of it as a big word for 'things a thing can do'. If you see it, just remember it means 'feature' or 'power'. It's like saying a toy has the 'power' to fly.

At A2, you start seeing 'قابلیت' in descriptions of products or people. You might use it to say 'This app has the capability to send photos'. It's a step up from just saying 'can'. Instead of 'این برنامه می‌تواند عکس بفرستد', you say 'این برنامه قابلیت ارسال عکس را دارد'. It makes your Persian sound more organized and descriptive. You use it with the verb 'داشتن' (to have).

At B1, 'قابلیت' becomes a key vocabulary item. You use it to discuss your professional skills or the specifications of a device. You understand that it refers to 'potential' and 'functionality'. You can form sentences like 'I am looking for a laptop with high processing capability'. You also start using it in abstract ways, like 'the capability of a society to change'. It's essential for passing intermediate exams and having workplace conversations.

At B2, you use 'قابلیت' fluently in various registers. You distinguish between 'قابلیت' (capability), 'شایستگی' (competence), and 'بهره‌وری' (productivity). You can discuss complex topics like 'the capability of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels'. You use the plural 'قابلیت‌ها' to categorize features in a technical report or a literary analysis. You are comfortable with the Ezafe constructions following the word.

At C1, 'قابلیت' is used with precision in academic and legal contexts. You might discuss 'قابلیت اجرا' (enforceability) of a contract or 'قابلیت اطمینان' (reliability) of a scientific study. You understand the philosophical nuances—how 'قابلیت' relates to 'Aristotelian potentiality'. Your usage is nuanced, often pairing it with sophisticated adjectives like 'منحصربه‌فرد' (unique) or 'چندگانه' (multiple).

At C2, you have a total command of 'قابلیت'. You use it in high-level rhetoric and literature. You might use it to discuss the 'قابلیت‌های بی‌پایان روح انسان' (the endless capabilities of the human soul). You understand its etymological roots deeply and can use it to explain complex abstract concepts in philosophy, advanced engineering, or high-level diplomacy where every nuance of 'capability' matters.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

قابلیت in 30 Seconds

قابلیت refers to the inherent capacity or potential of a person or object to perform a specific function.
In technology, it is the standard term for 'feature' or 'functionality' (e.g., software features).
It is a formal noun often used with the verb 'داشتن' (to have) and requires an Ezafe when linked to an action.
It differs from 'Tavanayi' (ability) by emphasizing potential and built-in characteristics rather than just physical power.

The word قابلیت (Ghābeliyat) is a cornerstone of modern Persian, bridging the gap between abstract human potential and concrete technical functionality. At its core, it refers to the 'capacity' or 'potential' of a person, object, or system to perform a specific task or undergo a certain process. Derived from the Arabic root 'Q-B-L' (meaning to accept or receive), it literally suggests the 'acceptability' of a certain state or action.

Etymological Root: Derived from 'قابل' (capable/worthy) + the suffix '-iyat' which forms abstract nouns, similar to '-ity' in English.
Human Context: Refers to a person's talent, merit, or inherent skill to achieve a goal.
Technical Context: Refers to 'features' or 'functionalities' of software, hardware, or machinery.

این نرم‌افزار قابلیت ویرایش ویدیو را دارد.

Translation: This software has the capability to edit videos.

In everyday conversation, you might use it to describe someone's potential for growth or a product's unique selling points. It is more formal than 'توانایی' (tavānāyi), which focuses more on the physical or immediate ability to do something. Ghābeliyat implies a latent power or a built-in feature.

او قابلیت‌های زیادی برای مدیریت دارد.

Translation: He has many capabilities for management.

Using قابلیت correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that often takes an 'Ezafe' construction or is followed by the preposition 'در' (in) or 'برای' (for). It is most commonly paired with the verb 'داشتن' (to have).

Common Structure 1: [Noun] + قابلیتِ + [Gerund/Noun] + را دارد. (e.g., This car has the capability of high speed.)
Common Structure 2: قابلیت‌هایِ + [Noun] (e.g., The capabilities of this system.)

این گوشی قابلیت ضدآب بودن را دارد.

Translation: This phone has the capability of being waterproof.

In professional settings, you will often see it in plural form: قابلیت‌ها. This refers to a list of features in a software update or a list of skills in a job description. It conveys a sense of readiness and potential.

You will encounter قابلیت in three primary environments: Technology, Business/HR, and Academic discourse. In the tech world, it is the standard word for 'feature'. When a new iPhone is released, tech bloggers will discuss its ghābeliyathā-ye jadid (new features).

در آپدیت جدید، قابلیت جستجوی صوتی اضافه شده است.

Translation: In the new update, the voice search feature has been added.

In a business context, a manager might evaluate an employee's ghābeliyat for a promotion. Here, it implies not just current skill, but the inherent potential to handle more responsibility. Academically, it's used to discuss the 'feasibility' or 'capacity' of a theory or a material.

Learners often confuse قابلیت with توانایی or استعداد. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. Tavanayi is the physical or mental 'ability' to do something right now. Estedad is 'talent'. Ghabeliyat is the 'capability' or 'potential'.

Mistake: Using it for physical strength: Incorrect: من قابلیت بلند کردن این جعبه را دارم. (Use توانایی instead).
Mistake: Confusing with 'Possible': Incorrect: این کار قابلیت است. (Use ممکن instead).

Another common error is omitting the 'Ezafe' when connecting it to the action. It must be ghābeliyat-e.... Also, remember that while 'ghābel' means 'worthy', 'ghābeliyat' focuses on the 'capacity' itself.

To master قابلیت, you must distinguish it from its synonyms. Each carries a different nuance of 'ability'.

توانایی (Tavanayi): Focuses on the power to act. 'I have the ability to speak Persian.'
ظرفیت (Zarfiyat): Focuses on volume or maximum limit. 'The capacity of this hall is 100 people.'
استعداد (Estedad): Focuses on natural talent. 'She has a talent for music.'

تفاوت قابلیت و توانایی در پتانسیل نهفته است.

Translation: The difference between capability and ability lies in latent potential.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Ezafe construction

Gerund formation (Infinitive - 'an')

Pluralization with '-hā'

Compound verbs with 'dashtan'

Abstract noun formation with '-iyat'

Examples by Level

این گوشی قابلیت خوبی دارد.

This phone has a good capability/feature.

Simple noun + adjective.

قابلیت این ماشین چیست؟

What is the capability of this car?

Question form.

او قابلیت‌های زیادی دارد.

He has many capabilities.

Plural form.

این اسباب‌بازی قابلیت پرواز دارد.

This toy has the capability to fly.

Noun + Ezafe + Noun.

قابلیت جدید نرم‌افزار.

The new capability of the software.

Noun phrase.

من به این قابلیت نیاز دارم.

I need this feature.

Object of a verb.

آیا این ساعت قابلیت ضدآب دارد؟

Does this watch have waterproof capability?

Interrogative.

قابلیت‌های این دوربین عالی است.

The capabilities of this camera are excellent.

Subject of the sentence.

این سیستم قابلیت پردازش داده‌های بزرگ را دارد.

This system has the capability of processing big data.

Technical usage with gerund.

ما باید قابلیت‌های خود را تقویت کنیم.

We must strengthen our capabilities.

Reflexive pronoun usage.

این طرح قابلیت اجرایی ندارد.

This plan does not have executive capability (is not feasible).

Abstract usage.

قابلیت اطمینان این دستگاه بالا است.

The reliability (capability of trust) of this device is high.

Compound concept.

او قابلیت‌های مدیریتی خود را نشان داد.

He showed his management capabilities.

Adjective modifying capability.

این نرم‌افزار قابلیت نصب روی لینوکس را دارد.

This software has the capability of being installed on Linux.

Prepositional phrase.

قابلیت‌های یادگیری در کودکان متفاوت است.

Learning capabilities in children are different.

Generalization.

این پارچه قابلیت شستشو در ماشین را دارد.

This fabric has the capability of being washed in a machine.

Practical description.

تبیین قابلیت‌های وجودی انسان در فلسفه ملاصدرا.

Explaining the existential capabilities of man in Mulla Sadra's philosophy.

High academic register.

این معاهده قابلیت ابطال از سوی طرفین را دارد.

This treaty has the capability of annulment by the parties.

Legal terminology.

قابلیت‌های بی‌پایان هوش مصنوعی در تحول بنیادین جوامع.

The endless capabilities of AI in the fundamental transformation of societies.

Complex noun phrase.

بررسی قابلیت‌های ساختاری زبان فارسی در ترجمه متون علمی.

Investigating the structural capabilities of the Persian language in translating scientific texts.

Linguistic analysis.

قابلیت‌های انطباق‌پذیری بیولوژیکی در محیط‌های سخت.

Biological adaptability capabilities in harsh environments.

Scientific register.

او به اوج قابلیت‌های هنری خود رسیده است.

He has reached the peak of his artistic capabilities.

Metaphorical usage.

قابلیت‌های بازدارندگی نظامی در توازن قدرت منطقه‌ای.

Military deterrence capabilities in the regional balance of power.

Political science context.

این نظریه قابلیت تعمیم به سایر حوزه‌ها را داراست.

This theory possesses the capability of generalization to other fields.

Formal verb 'داراست'.

Common Collocations

قابلیت داشتن

قابلیت اجرا

قابلیت اطمینان

قابلیت استفاده

قابلیت تغییر

قابلیت‌های فنی

قابلیت دسترسی

قابلیت ارتقا

قابلیت انعطاف

قابلیت مشاهده

Common Phrases

قابلیت‌های کلیدی

در حد قابلیت

بهره‌گیری از قابلیت‌ها

قابلیت‌های بالقوه

قابلیت‌های بالفعل

عدم قابلیت

قابلیت‌های ویژه

قابلیت‌های کاربردی

قابلیت‌های هوشمند

قابلیت‌های دفاعی

Often Confused With

قابلیت vs توانایی

Physical/immediate ability vs. latent capability.

قابلیت vs امکان

Possibility vs. capability.

قابلیت vs استعداد

Natural talent vs. general capability.

Idioms & Expressions

"قابلیتِ چیزی را داشتن (To have what it takes)"

"از قابلیت افتادن (To lose functionality)"

"در حد و قابلیتِ کسی بودن (To be within someone's capacity)"

"قابلیت زدن (To have the potential to hit/achieve - informal)"

"به رخ کشیدن قابلیت‌ها (To show off capabilities)"

"کشف قابلیت‌ها (To discover potentials)"

"تکیه بر قابلیت‌ها (To rely on capabilities)"

"قابلیتِ عرض اندام (The ability to show off/manifest)"

"قابلیتِ رقابت (Competitiveness)"

"قابلیتِ هضم (Digestibility - literal and figurative)"

Easily Confused

قابلیت vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

It implies 'potential' more than 'action'.

frequency

Very high in modern Persian.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'من قابلیت دارم' without specifying what.
Using it for 'possibility' (use emkan instead).
Forgetting the 'y' sound in the middle.
Using it for physical strength like lifting weights.
Confusing it with 'ghābel' (the adjective).

Tips

Tech Talk

When reading about apps, 'قابلیت' is the most important word to know.

Ezafe

Don't forget the short 'e' sound after 'ghābeliyat' when connecting words.

Professionalism

Use this word in interviews to sound more sophisticated.

Compliments

Telling someone they have 'ghābeliyat' is a great way to encourage them.

Bullet Points

Use 'قابلیت‌ها' as a heading for features in a report.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Arabic

Cultural Context

It is a key word in the 'Danesh-Bonyan' (knowledge-based) economy of modern Iran.

Using 'قابلیت' when discussing someone's work is more formal and respectful than 'tavanayi'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"این گوشی چه قابلیت‌های جدیدی دارد؟"

"آیا این طرح قابلیت اجرا دارد؟"

"مهم‌ترین قابلیت شما در کار چیست؟"

"قابلیت‌های این نرم‌افزار را چگونه می‌بینید؟"

"چطور می‌توانیم قابلیت‌های خود را افزایش دهیم؟"

Journal Prompts

سه قابلیت مهم خود را بنویسید.

درباره قابلیت‌های یک تکنولوژی جدید که دوست دارید تحقیق کنید.

آیا فکر می‌کنید قابلیت‌های انسان محدود است؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it refers to their potential or merit.

قابلیت‌ها (Ghābeliyat-hā).

Yes, but 'estedad' is more specific for natural talent.

It is neutral to formal, used in both daily tech talk and academic papers.

قابلیت ضدآب (Ghābeliyat-e zedd-e āb).

Yes, the root is Arabic but the usage is very Persian.

No, we usually use 'قابلیت داشتن' (to have capability).

Yes, for things like 'قابلیت پیگرد' (prosecutability).

عدم قابلیت (lack of capability) or ناتوانی.

Yes, very common in B1-C2 level Persian tests.