Inklingo

How to Say "punishment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

castigo

/kahs-TEE-go//kasˈti.ɣo/

nounA2general
Use 'castigo' when referring to a consequence given for breaking a specific rule or misbehaving.
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.

pena

/PEH-nah//ˈpena/

nounB2general
Use 'pena' as a general term for punishment, especially when referring to a legal sentence or a formal 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.

merecido

/meh-reh-SEE-doh//meɾeˈθiðo/

nounB2general
Use 'merecido' to describe a punishment that is considered fair or deserved, often for a bad action, implying 'what someone has earned'.
A mischievous cat sitting on a high shelf next to a spilled bowl of treats it cannot reach.

Examples

El villano al final recibió su merecido.

The villain finally got what he deserved.

Se llevó su merecido por mentir.

He got his just deserts for lying.

Possessive Use

When used as a noun, it almost always follows a word like 'su' (his/her) or 'tu' (your) to show who is getting the consequence.

Castigo vs. Merecido

Learners often confuse 'castigo' and 'merecido'. Remember, 'castigo' is a direct consequence for a rule broken, while 'merecido' implies a judgment of fairness – what someone *deserves* for their actions, good or bad. You can have a 'castigo' that isn't 'merecido', and vice versa.

Related Translations

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