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How to Say "scolding" in Spanish

English → Spanish

jabón

hah-BOHN/xaˈβon/

nounB2Informal
Use 'jabón' when referring to a severe telling-off or reprimand, often implying a strong verbal dressing-down.
An illustration showing an adult figure sternly pointing a finger while a sad child stands looking down, representing a scolding.

Examples

Le dieron un buen jabón por no entregar el informe a tiempo.

They gave him a good scolding for not handing in the report on time.

El entrenador nos echó un jabón después de perder el partido.

The coach gave us a telling off after losing the game.

Figurative Meaning

This meaning is an extension of the original idea of 'cleaning up' or 'washing away' bad behavior. It is almost always used with 'dar' or 'echar'.

peluca

/peh-LOO-kah//peˈluka/

nounC1Informal
Choose 'peluca' for a more general verbal reprimand, which might be less intense than a 'jabón' but still involves being told off.
A small child looking down while a stern adult points a finger in a gesture of reprimand.

Examples

Mi jefe me echó una peluca por llegar tarde.

My boss gave me a scolding for arriving late.

Verbs for Scolding

In this sense, the word is almost always used with the verb 'echar' (to throw/give).

Jabón vs. Peluca

Learners often confuse 'jabón' and 'peluca' because both refer to a verbal reprimand. Remember that 'jabón' typically implies a harsher, more significant scolding than 'peluca'.

Related Translations

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