How to Say "penitentiary" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “penitentiary” is “cárcel” — use 'cárcel' for a general, everyday term referring to a prison or jail where someone is incarcerated.
cárcel
Examples
El ladrón fue enviado a la cárcel por diez años.
The thief was sent to jail for ten years.
prisión
Examples
El ladrón fue enviado a la prisión por diez años.
The thief was sent to prison for ten years.
penitenciario
peh-nee-tehn-syah-ryohpenitenˈsjaɾjo
Examples
El sistema penitenciario busca la reinserción de los presos.
The prison system seeks the reintegration of inmates.
Trabaja como guardia en un centro penitenciario.
He works as a guard in a correctional facility.
La reforma penitenciaria fue aprobada por el gobierno.
The prison reform was approved by the government.
Matching Gender
Remember that this word must match the gender of the object it describes. Use 'penitenciario' for masculine words like 'centro' and 'penitenciaria' for feminine words like 'reforma'.
Word Position
In Spanish, this descriptive word almost always comes after the noun. Say 'centro penitenciario,' not 'penitenciario centro'.
Penal vs. Penitenciario
Mistake: “Using 'penitenciario' to talk about crimes or the penal code.”
Correction: Use 'penal' for laws and crimes (e.g., 'Código Penal') and 'penitenciario' specifically for the prison buildings or the life inside them.
Confusing 'cárcel' and 'prisión'
Related Translations
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