Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hábil | /ˈabil/ | |
| diestro | /ˈdjestɾo/ | |
| habilidoso | /abiliˈdoso/ | |
| capi | /ˈkapi/ | colloquial, alternative form |
| caperuzo | /kapeɾuθo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /kapeɾuso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
colloquial |
| habiloso | /abiˈloso/ |
The terms used to express being skilled vary depending on whether you are emphasizing mental cleverness, physical dexterity or general talent. In formal contexts, you can use Calificado/a to mean qualified or Competente to mean competent. In informal settings, Mañoso/a can be used to mean skillful or crafty.
Which one should you use?
While hábil can mean skilled, it often carries a connotation of being clever, resourceful or quick-witted in a general sense. In contrast, diestro specifically emphasizes physical dexterity or technical mastery of a specific craft or tool. Habilidoso is used to describe someone who possesses a high degree of manual dexterity or talent in a specific activity.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, use Calificado/a (qualified) or Competente (competent). For informal situations, you may use Mañoso/a (skillful or crafty). In Latin America, the slang term Crack is used to denote someone who is exceptionally talented or skillful. Also, caperuzo and its alternative spelling capi are colloquial terms.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective diestro is variable for gender, taking the form diestro for masculine and diestra for feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
hábil is pronounced /ˈabil/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using habiloso, as it is a non-standard or incorrect form of habilidoso.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone mañoso can be a double-edged sword. While it can mean they are 'handy' with tools, it can also imply they are 'sneaky' or 'manipulative'.
- While diestro means skilled, the word destreza is used for the actual quality of 'dexterity'. This noun is often used in historical contexts to describe the art of Spanish fencing.
- The Spanish word diestro is rooted in the Latin word for 'right', meaning that being skillful is etymologically linked to being right-handed.
Examples in context
- Eres una hábil traductora.You're a skilled translator.This sentence is useful for describing a skilled translator using hábil.Tatoeba #5183636 by gorkaazk, translation #13501278 by rul
- Es hábil con la artesanía.He is skilled in handicraft.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is skilled in handicraft using hábil.Tatoeba #5664057 by arh, translation #2840492 by JimBreen
- No es diestro con las manos.He isn't skilled with his hands.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is not skilled with their hands using diestro.Tatoeba #12260010 by adaycito, translation #12264789 by Miktsoanit
- Soy experto/a en programaciónI am skilled in programming
- Soy hábil en el manejo de herramientasI am skilled in tool handling
- Estoy calificado/a para realizar esta tareaI am qualified to perform this task
- Soy competente en el uso de software de diseñoI am skilled in using design software
- Martina es muy canchera en el diseño gráficoMartina is skilled in graphic design
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a new employee at their office.
- JavierMaría, ¿has visto al nuevo diseñador?María, have you seen the new designer?
- MaríaSí, parece un hombre muy hábil.Yes, he seems like a very skilled man.
- JavierEs cierto, su trabajo es excelente.It's true, his work is excellent.
- MaríaMe alegra que sea tan talentoso.I'm glad he is so talented.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skilled” translations and entries hábil, diestro, habilidoso, capi, caperuzo, habiloso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diestro, hábil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
