Inklingo

How to Say "penalty" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “penalty” is “castigo” — use 'castigo' for a general punishment, often in informal settings like family or school, or for a penalty in sports that isn't a specific foul like a free kick..

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castigo

/kahs-TEE-go//kasˈti.ɣo/

nounA2general
Use 'castigo' for a general punishment, often in informal settings like family or school, or for a penalty in sports that isn't a specific foul like a free kick.
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-tah/ˈmulta/

nounA2general
Use 'multa' specifically when referring to a financial penalty or fine imposed by an authority, such as for a traffic violation.
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)).

penal

/peh-NAHL//peˈnal/

nounA2sports
Use 'penal' exclusively in soccer (football) to refer to a penalty kick awarded after a serious foul inside the penalty area.
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.

pena

/PEH-nah//ˈpena/

nounB2legal, formal
Use 'pena' for more formal or legal punishments, such as prison sentences or official sanctions imposed by a court or government.
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.

Castigo vs. Pena

Learners often confuse 'castigo' and 'pena'. Remember that 'castigo' is more general and can apply to informal or sports contexts, while 'pena' is typically used for formal legal punishments like prison sentences.

Related Translations

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