condena
“condena” means “sentence” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
sentence, conviction
Also: condemnation
📝 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.
to sentence, to condemn
Also: to convict
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: condena
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'condena' as a noun (the punishment)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *condemnare*, which meant 'to pronounce guilty' or 'to sentence.' It has maintained its strong legal and moral meaning ever since.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'