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How to Say "penalty" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “penalty” is “castigo” — use 'castigo' for general punishments, especially in informal or everyday situations, like chores or disciplinary actions.

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castigo

kahs-TEE-gokasˈti.ɣo

nounA2general
Use 'castigo' for general punishments, especially in informal or everyday situations, like chores or disciplinary actions.
A small child sitting quietly on a wooden stool in the corner, illustrating a time-out punishment.

Examples

El castigo por llegar tarde fue barrer el patio.

The punishment for being late was sweeping the yard.

La ley establece un castigo severo para ese crimen.

The law establishes a severe penalty for that crime.

No creo que el castigo deba ser físico.

I don't believe the punishment should be physical.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'castigo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use the masculine articles (el, un, los, unos) with it.

multa

MULL-tahˈmulta

nounA2general
Use 'multa' specifically when referring to a financial penalty, like a fine for a traffic violation or breaking a minor rule.
A small pile of currency (bills and coins) sitting on a surface, with a large, prominent red official seal pressed directly onto the top bill, symbolizing a financial penalty.

Examples

Recibí una multa por aparcar en zona prohibida.

I received a fine for parking in a prohibited area.

La multa por exceso de velocidad fue de 200 euros.

The fine for speeding was 200 euros.

Si devuelves el libro tarde, tendrás que pagar una multa a la biblioteca.

If you return the book late, you will have to pay a fine to the library.

Gender is Feminine

Remember that 'multa' is always feminine, so you must use 'la multa' or 'una multa' when referring to it.

Using 'Dar' instead of 'Poner'

Mistake: “Me dieron una multa.”

Correction: Me pusieron una multa. (In Spanish, authorities 'put' or 'place' a fine on you, using the verb 'poner', not 'dar' (to give)).

sanción

nounB1formal
Use 'sanción' for official penalties or sanctions imposed for breaking rules, often in formal or legal contexts like sports or administrative law.

Examples

El conductor recibió una sanción por exceso de velocidad.

The driver received a penalty for speeding.

pena

PEH-nahˈpena

nounB2legal
Use 'pena' for a more serious legal punishment, such as a prison sentence or a significant legal penalty.
A stark image of heavy, dark metal bars casting a harsh shadow onto a gray background, symbolizing confinement and punishment.

Examples

El ladrón cumplió su pena de tres años.

The thief served his three-year sentence.

La pena de muerte es un tema controversial.

The death penalty is a controversial topic.

Conducir ebrio conlleva una pena severa.

Drunk driving carries a severe penalty.

penal

peh-NAHLpeˈnal

nounA2sports
Use 'penal' exclusively in soccer to refer to a penalty kick awarded after a serious foul.
A soccer ball placed on a white dot on a green field with a goal in the background.

Examples

Messi va a patear el penal.

Messi is going to take the penalty kick.

El árbitro cobró un penal en el último minuto.

The referee called a penalty in the last minute.

General Punishment vs. Financial Fine

Learners often confuse 'castigo' and 'multa'. Remember that 'multa' is almost always about money (a fine), while 'castigo' refers to a broader range of punishments, from chores to more serious consequences, but not typically a monetary fine.

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