Inklingo
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prisión

/pree-SYOHN/

prison

A large, imposing, fortress-like building with high gray walls and small barred windows, representing a prison facility.

A prisión is the physical facility where long-term sentences are served.

prisión(Noun)

fB1

prison

?

A large facility for long-term sentences

,

jail

?

Often used interchangeably with 'prison'

Also:

penitentiary

?

A more formal term for a large prison

📝 In Action

El ladrón fue enviado a la prisión por diez años.

B1

The thief was sent to prison for ten years.

Construirán una nueva prisión de máxima seguridad en las afueras de la ciudad.

B2

They will build a new maximum-security prison on the outskirts of the city.

Logró escapar de la prisión después de solo dos meses.

B1

He managed to escape from the prison after only two months.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cárcel (jail, prison)
  • penitenciaría (penitentiary)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar en prisión – to be in prison
  • ir a prisión – to go to prison
  • salir de la prisión – to get out of prison

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine: 'la prisión'

Even though it doesn't refer to a person, 'prisión' is a feminine word in Spanish. So, you'll always say 'la prisión' (the prison) or 'una prisión' (a prison).

❌ Common Pitfalls

'Prisión' vs. 'Cárcel'

Mistake: "Using them as if they have very different meanings."

Correction: In everyday conversation, 'prisión' and 'cárcel' are often used as synonyms for 'jail' or 'prison'. 'Cárcel' is extremely common, while 'prisión' might sound slightly more formal or refer to a larger state facility.

⭐ Usage Tips

Talking About Location

When you say someone is 'in prison,' use the preposition 'en': 'Él está en prisión.' (He is in prison.)

A solitary figure seen through thick, vertical iron bars, illustrating the state of being confined or imprisoned.

The state of being confined or restricted is also called prisión (imprisonment).

prisión(Noun)

fB2

imprisonment

?

The state of being confined

,

confinement

?

The act of confining or state of being confined

Also:

sentence

?

Referring to the prison term itself

📝 In Action

El juez lo sentenció a prisión perpetua.

B2

The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Su timidez era una prisión que no le permitía hacer amigos.

C1

His shyness was a prison that didn't allow him to make friends.

Cumplió su tiempo de prisión y ahora es un hombre libre.

B2

He served his prison time and is now a free man.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • encarcelamiento (imprisonment)
  • confinamiento (confinement)
  • condena (sentence)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • prisión domiciliaria – house arrest
  • prisión perpetua – life imprisonment
  • cumplir prisión – to serve a prison sentence

⭐ Usage Tips

Figurative 'Prison'

Just like in English, you can use 'prisión' to talk about being emotionally or mentally trapped. For example, you could be in a 'prisión de miedo' (a prison of fear).

Legal Sentences

This meaning is very common when talking about the punishment itself, not just the building. 'Prisión perpetua' (life imprisonment) is a key legal phrase to know.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: prisión

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'prisión' to talk about the PUNISHMENT, not the building?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

prisionero/a(prisoner) - noun
aprisionar(to imprison, to trap) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'prisión' and 'cárcel'?

In everyday speech, they are mostly interchangeable, like 'jail' and 'prison' in English. If there's a slight difference, 'cárcel' is often used for a local jail (for shorter sentences or awaiting trial), while 'prisión' can refer to a larger state or federal prison for more serious crimes. But don't worry too much, people will understand you either way!

Is 'prisión' masculine or feminine?

It's always feminine. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' with it, for example: 'la prisión' (the prison).