cabe
/ˈkabe/
The Spanish phrase for "it fits" is cabe.
This phrase is used to state that an object is the correct size to go into a particular space. To express that an object is too large for a space, use the negative form no cabe.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form cabe is the third-person singular present indicative of the irregular verb caber. If you wish to say "we fit" into a space, use the form cabemos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkabe/
Did you know?
- The verb caber can be used figuratively to express a feeling or idea that is too large for a person to contain, such as no quepo en mí de alegría to mean 'I am bursting with joy'.
- While English uses the verb 'to fit' for both size and logical compatibility, in Spanish, you would use caber only for physical space and a different verb, like encajar, for things that 'fit' a concept or a pattern.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, you might hear the phrase no cabe duda, which literally means 'there is no room for doubt', to say 'there is no doubt'.
Examples in context
- Este traje se ajusta a tus medidasThis suit fits your measurements
- El cinturón se ajusta a la cinturaThe belt fits the waist
- Esa camiseta te queda muy bienThat t-shirt looks great on you
- ¿Cómo te queda ese nuevo peinado?How does that new hairstyle suit you?
- Creo que esta lámpara va en el escritorioI think this lamp fits on the desk
- No cabe en la caja.It doesn't fit in the box.
- No cabe en la maleta.It doesn't fit in the suitcase.
- Ese libro no cabe en el estante.That book doesn't fit on the shelf.
- Si es pequeño, cabe en la caja.If it is small, it fits in the box.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are trying to put a new microwave in a kitchen cabinet.
- Sofía¿Crees que este microondas cabe en el mueble?Do you think this microwave fits in the cabinet?
- JavierNo, es demasiado grande y no cabe.No, it is too large and it doesn't fit.
- SofíaQué lástima, buscamos uno que sí quepa.What a shame, let's look for one that does fit.
- JavierSí, necesitamos algo que quepa bien.Yes, we need something that fits well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cabe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
