cabo
/ˈkabo/feminine, masculine
In Spanish, the military rank of corporal is cabo.
cabo is a noun used to refer to the military rank of corporal. While 'cabo' refers to the military rank, the word 'corporal' in Spanish is an adjective meaning 'bodily' and is not used to mean the rank.
Meaning: military rank (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term cabo refers specifically to the military rank, whereas the Spanish word corporal is an adjective meaning 'bodily' and is not used to name the rank.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form cabo is used for a male corporal. The rank of first corporal is expressed as cabo primero.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkabo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the Spanish word corporal to refer to the military rank, as it functions as an adjective meaning 'bodily'.
Did you know?
- The word cabo is a linguistic relative of the English word 'chef' and the Spanish word jefe, as all three originate from the Latin word for 'head'.
- The word cabo behaves like a chameleon in Spanish, as it can mean a military rank, a geographical 'cape', or even the 'end' of a rope.
- In a completely different context, cabo is also the common Spanish word for a 'cape' or 'promontory' in geography, such as Cabo de Hornos.
Examples in context
- El cabo está con licencia.The corporal is on furlough.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use cabo when referring to someone on furlough.Tatoeba #2268073 by cueyayotl, translation #2268072 by _undertoad
- El cabo García lidera el pelotón.Corporal García leads the platoon.
- El cabo Hernández será ascendido próximamente.Corporal Hernández will be promoted soon.
- Recibí instrucciones directas del cabo Martínez.I received direct instructions from Corporal Martínez.
- El cabo llegó tarde al cuartel.The corporal arrived late to the barracks.
- Ella fue ascendida a cabo recientemente.She was recently promoted to corporal.
Example conversation
Two soldiers are discussing who is in charge of the patrol.
- MateoMateo, ¿quién dirige la patrulla hoy?Mateo, who is leading the patrol today?
- SofíaLa cabo Sofía está a cargo.Corporal Sofía is in charge.
- Mateo¿Dónde podemos encontrar a la cabo?Where can we find the corporal?
- SofíaElla está esperando en la entrada.She is waiting at the entrance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “corporal” translations and entries cabo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cabo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
