capítulo
Lemma Details
Translation: chapter; episode; section; meeting
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'capitulum', a diminutive of 'caput' meaning 'head'. This same Latin root gave English words like 'capital', 'captain', and 'decapitate'. The word originally referred to the heading or title of a section in a book, before coming to mean the section itself. The connection to 'head' remains in the sense of a 'chapter' being a main division or 'heading' of a written work.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Estoy leyendo el tercer capítulo del libro.
I am reading the third chapter of the book.
El capítulo final de la serie fue muy emocionante.
The final episode of the series was very exciting.
Este evento marca un nuevo capítulo en la historia de nuestro país.
This event marks a new chapter in our country's history.
Los monjes se reunieron en capítulo para discutir asuntos importantes.
The monks met in chapter to discuss important matters.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'capital' (head) + 'ulo' (diminutive) = 'little head' or heading of a section.
- Visualize a book with its chapters as little 'capitals' or headings that organize the content.
- Connect with 'captain' (from same Latin root 'caput') who heads or leads a section of people.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish television, 'capítulo' is commonly used to refer to episodes of TV series, while in religious contexts it can refer to a meeting of a religious order. The word is also used metaphorically to refer to distinct periods or events in one's life or in history.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'capítulo' means 'chapter' or 'episode', 'capital' in Spanish means 'capital' (as in a city or money) or 'main/principal'. They share the Latin root 'caput' (head).
Notes: Both words relate to importance or prominence - a capital city heads a country, while a chapter heads a section of text.
Mnemonic: 'Capítulo' has an accent and ends in 'o', think of opening a book to a new chapter ('o' like opening a book).
Explanation: 'Capítulo' is a noun meaning 'chapter', while 'capitular' is a verb meaning 'to surrender' or 'to capitulate', or an adjective relating to a chapter.
Confused word:
El ejército tuvo que capitular ante el enemigo.
The army had to capitulate to the enemy.
Notes: Both words share the same etymological root, but 'capitular' as a verb has evolved to mean surrendering or giving up leadership/headship.
Mnemonic: 'Capitular' ends in '-ar' like many Spanish verbs (action), while 'capítulo' ends in '-o' (thing).