How to Say "imprisonment" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “imprisonment” is “prisión” — use 'prisión' when referring to the formal state of being incarcerated as a punishment, or the institution of a jail or prison.
prisión
Examples
El juez lo sentenció a prisión perpetua.
The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment.
encierro
en-SYEH-rrohenˈθje.ro
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 vs. Encierro
Related Translations
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