Same sound, different use
capital vs capitol
Same sound, different meaning and spelling
Capital has many meanings, including a seat of government, money, and an uppercase letter. Capitol means a building where a legislature meets. They sound alike.
Context decides
Use the building test
If you mean a specific place where lawmakers meet, capitol may fit. Other common senses use capital.
Government city, money, or uppercase: capital
Use capital for the seat of government, financial resources, or a large letter.
The company raised capital in the nation’s capital.
Legislative building: capitol
Use capitol for the building occupied by a legislature; capitalize it in official proper names.
The committee met inside the state capitol.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use capital for a capital city, financial assets, an uppercase letter, or something excellent or important. Use capitol only for a legislative building or, capitalized, the United States Capitol in Washington. The word Capitol can also appear in official building names at the state level.
Optional listening · American English
Hear the shared pronunciation
These terms share a standard pronunciation. Use the recordings to learn the sound, then use meaning and context to choose the spelling.
Word 1
capital
noun or adjective
A seat of government, financial wealth, or an uppercase letter; also, chief or important.
US pronunciation
/ˈkæpɪtəl/
UK IPA
/ˈkæpɪtəl/
Hear two natural voices
Word 2
capitol
noun
A building in which a state or national legislature meets.
US pronunciation
/ˈkæpɪtəl/
UK IPA
/ˈkæpɪtəl/
Hear two natural voices
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
capital
- Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
- The business needs more capital to expand.
- Begin the sentence with a capital letter.
Examples with
capitol
- Visitors gathered outside the state capitol.
- The bill was debated at the capitol.
- The United States Capitol stands on Capitol Hill.