habilidad
/abiliˈdad/feminine
The English word 'ability' is translated into Spanish as habilidad.
habilidad is used to describe a skill or competence. In certain contexts, you might use competencia to convey ability or competence or maestría to indicate mastery or expertise in some regions.
Meaning: a skill or competence (noun)
Which one should you use?
habilidad refers specifically to a learned skill or dexterity. This differs from capacidad, which often refers to inherent potential or the volume/capacity to hold something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the term maestría is used to indicate mastery or expertise.
How does it change in a sentence?
habilidad is a feminine noun. In the singular, it is preceded by the feminine article la (e.g., la habilidad). The plural form of habilidad is habilidades.
How do you pronounce it?
/abiliˈdad/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking professional environments, the word competencia is used to describe a person's ability, but it can also mean 'competition' or 'rivalry'.
- The word habilidad begins with a silent h, a remnant of the Latin habilis that is no longer pronounced in modern Spanish.
- While habilidad refers to a skill, the closely related word hábil can be used to describe someone who is 'handy' or 'resourceful' in a practical, everyday sense.
Examples in context
- Él confía en su habilidad.He has confidence in his ability.This sentence is useful for expressing confidence in one's habilidad.Tatoeba #972475 by marcelostockle, translation #298816 by CK
- Tiene una habilidad especial.He has a special ability.This sentence is useful for describing a special habilidad.Tatoeba #5965105 by arh, translation #12909993 by araneo
- Se te pagará según tu habilidad.You will be paid according to your ability.This sentence is useful for discussing payment based on one's habilidad.Tatoeba #1388794 by marcelostockle, translation #19526 by CK
- Tiene habilidad para tocar el pianoHe/she has the ability to play the piano
- Ella tiene una gran capacidad para resolver problemasShe has great ability to solve problems
- Él tiene mucho talento para el arteHe has a lot of ability for art
- Él tiene destreza en la cocinaHe has ability in the kitchen
- La facultad de memorizar es impresionanteThe ability to memorize is impressive
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a new job opportunity.
- Mateo¿Crees que tengo la habilidad para este puesto?Do you think I have the ability for this position?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, tu habilidad para liderar es excelente.Yes, Mateo, your ability to lead is excellent.
- MateoGracias, Lucía, me hace sentir más seguro.Thank you, Lucía, it makes me feel more confident.
- LucíaDe nada, vas a hacer un gran trabajo.You're welcome, you are going to do a great job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ability” translations and entries habilidad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
