prisión
“prisión” means “prison” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
prison, jail
Also: penitentiary
📝 In Action
El ladrón fue enviado a la prisión por diez años.
B1The thief was sent to prison for ten years.
Construirán una nueva prisión de máxima seguridad en las afueras de la ciudad.
B2They will build a new maximum-security prison on the outskirts of the city.
Logró escapar de la prisión después de solo dos meses.
B1He managed to escape from the prison after only two months.
imprisonment, confinement
Also: sentence
📝 In Action
El juez lo sentenció a prisión perpetua.
B2The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment.
Su timidez era una prisión que no le permitía hacer amigos.
C1His shyness was a prison that didn't allow him to make friends.
Cumplió su tiempo de prisión y ahora es un hombre libre.
B2He served his prison time and is now a free man.
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✏️ 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▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'prehensio', which meant 'a seizing' or 'a capture'. It's related to the idea of grabbing or holding someone, which is exactly what a prison does.
First recorded: Around the 13th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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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).