Inklingo

How to Say "confinement" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forconfinementis encierrouse 'encierro' to describe the general state or feeling of being shut inside a place, often voluntarily or due to circumstances like a lockdown or quarantine.

English → Spanish

encierro

en-SYEH-rrohenˈθje.ro

nounB1general
Use 'encierro' to describe the general state or feeling of being shut inside a place, often voluntarily or due to circumstances like a lockdown or quarantine.
A small wooden cabin standing alone in a quiet, misty forest.

Examples

Después de tanto tiempo de encierro, quiero salir al campo.

After so much time being shut inside, I want to go to the countryside.

El escritor terminó su novela durante su encierro voluntario.

The writer finished his novel during his voluntary isolation.

Muchos animales sufren por el encierro en los zoológicos.

Many animals suffer from being confined in zoos.

It's a Noun, not a Verb

While it looks like a verb form, 'encierro' is a thing (a noun). If you want to say 'I shut in,' you also say 'encierro,' but in this context, it usually means the state of being shut in.

Using 'el' with encierro

Since it is a masculine noun, always pair it with 'el' or 'un'. Example: 'El encierro fue largo' (The confinement was long).

Confusing with 'Cerrar'

Mistake:Using 'el cerramiento' to mean being stuck at home.

Correction: Use 'el encierro' for the feeling or state of being shut in. 'Cerramiento' is more about the physical act of closing a fence or a building.

prisión

nounB2legal, formal
Use 'prisión' when referring to the formal act of imprisoning someone or the state of being in jail as a legal punishment.

Examples

El juez lo sentenció a prisión perpetua.

The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Encierro vs. Prisión

Learners often confuse 'encierro' and 'prisión' by using 'encierro' for legal imprisonment. Remember that 'prisión' specifically refers to being in jail as a punishment, while 'encierro' is a broader term for being confined to a space.

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