Spanish word

discapacidad

Pronunciation

IPA/diskapaθiˈðað/

Meaning

  • feminine noundisability

Example

En la escuela hay ayudas para estudiantes con discapacidad.

There is support at school for students with disabilities.

Illustration for discapacidad (disability)

More examples

En el transporte público hay plazas reservadas para personas con discapacidad.

On public transport there are seats reserved for people with disabilities.

Core concept

A person encountering barriers to everyday activities because of reduced physical, mental, or sensory function.

Common phrases

  • personas con discapacidad

    people with disabilities

  • tener discapacidad

    have a disability

  • discapacidad visual

    visual disability

  • discapacidad intelectual

    intellectual disability

Similar words

diversidad funcional: Variation in how bodies or minds function, seen as a natural form of human diversity.
incapacidad: Inability to perform a specific action or role adequately.
limitación: Limitation that confines an ability or action to a restricted range.
impedimento: Obstacle that hinders or prevents carrying out an activity.

Definition in Spanish

Condición en la que existe pérdida, limitación o diferencia en funciones físicas, mentales o sensoriales que dificulta la participación en la vida cotidiana.

Word origin

From Spanish dis- 'not' plus capacidad (from Latin capacitas, from capax 'able'), originally indicating a lack or limitation of ability.

Usage tips

  • Spanish commonly uses person-first phrasing, for example 'persona con discapacidad' rather than a label like 'discapacitado', and older terms such as 'minusválido' are avoided.

Other meanings

  • impairmentnoun
  • handicapnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word