capable
word
/ˈkeɪpəbəɫ/
KAY-puh-buhl
/kˈeɪpəbəl/
KAY-puh-buhl
Definition
Having the ability, skill, or qualities needed to do something well. It can also describe what a person or thing is able to do.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'capable of + noun/gerund' and 'capable person'. 'Capable' is positive but often more neutral and practical than 'talented'. It can describe people, teams, machines, or even actions: 'capable of causing harm'.
Spanish: capaz - competentePortuguese (BR): capaz - competentePortuguese (PT): capaz - competenteChinese (Simplified): 有能力的 - 能干的Chinese (Traditional): 有能力的 - 能幹的Hindi: सक्षम - काबिलArabic: قادر - كفءBengali: সক্ষম - যোগ্যRussian: способныйJapanese: 有能な - できるVietnamese: có khả năngKorean: 유능한 - 능력이 있는Turkish: yetenekli - becerikliUrdu: قابل - اہلIndonesian: mampu - cakap
Example Sentences
She is capable of doing the job alone.
basic
He is young, but very capable.
basic
This machine is capable of printing color photos.
basic
Don’t worry—she’s more than capable of handling the situation.
natural
He may seem quiet, but he’s incredibly capable.
natural
I know the task looks hard, but we’re capable of figuring it out.
natural