condena
/kon-DEH-nah/
sentence
The final judicial sentence (condena) is delivered when the gavel falls.
condena(noun)
sentence
?judicial punishment
,conviction
?finding someone guilty
condemnation
?strong disapproval
📝 In Action
La corte dictó una condena de diez años de prisión.
B1The court handed down a sentence of ten years in prison.
Su condena por fraude arruinó su carrera.
B2His conviction for fraud ruined his career.
El presidente expresó su condena por los actos de violencia.
C1The president expressed his condemnation of the acts of violence.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
Since 'condena' is feminine, always use 'la' before it, or 'una' if you mean 'a sentence' (e.g., 'la condena', 'una condena').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Condena' and 'Sentencia'
Mistake: "Using 'sentencia' only for the punishment length."
Correction: 'Sentencia' usually refers to the judge's ruling or verdict, while 'condena' refers specifically to the punishment imposed.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
This word is most often heard or read in news reports, legal documents, or formal political discussions.
The act of imposing the punishment is to sentence (condenar).
condena(verb)
to sentence
?to impose a punishment (infinitive: condenar)
,to condemn
?to express severe disapproval (infinitive: condenar)
to convict
?to find guilty (infinitive: condenar)
📝 In Action
La comunidad internacional condena estos actos de terror.
B2The international community condemns these acts of terror.
El juez siempre condena a los culpables.
B1The judge always sentences the guilty parties.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular AR Verb
The verb 'condenar' is a regular verb ending in -AR, meaning its conjugations follow the standard pattern for this group (like 'hablar' or 'cantar').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Noun vs. Verb Form
Mistake: "Using 'condena' (noun) when you need the action form 'condena' (verb) with the wrong subject."
Correction: Remember that 'condena' as a verb only works with 'he/she/it' or 'you (formal).' If you are talking about 'I' or 'we,' you must use 'condeno' or 'condenamos.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
You can use 'condenar' figuratively to mean something is doomed or destined for trouble: 'Lo condenó a una vida de pobreza' (It condemned him to a life of poverty).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: condena
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'condena' as a noun (the punishment)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'condena' only used for legal terms?
No. While it is strongly associated with court sentences and convictions, 'condena' can also be used in formal speech or writing to mean strong moral disapproval or condemnation of an action or idea.
How do I know if 'condena' is the noun or the verb?
Look at the words around it. If it follows 'la' or 'una' (the/a), it's the noun. If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted' (he, she, or formal you), it is the verb form meaning 'condemns' or 'sentences.'