Inklingo

How to Say "sentence" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sentence” is “frase” — use 'frase' when referring to a short, complete expression or a sentence in a general, everyday context, often interchangeable with 'oración'..

frase🔊A1

Use 'frase' when referring to a short, complete expression or a sentence in a general, everyday context, often interchangeable with 'oración'.

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oraciónA1

Use 'oración' for a grammatically complete linguistic unit that expresses a thought, especially in formal or academic writing contexts.

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sentencia🔊B1

Use 'sentencia' specifically for the formal legal judgment or judicial punishment handed down by a court.

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condena🔊B1

Use 'condena' to refer to the judicial punishment or sentence itself, emphasizing the aspect of condemnation or penalty.

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pena🔊B2

Use 'pena' to refer to the punishment or penalty imposed by a court, often focusing on the duration or nature of the suffering.

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prisiónB2

Use 'prisión' when referring specifically to the prison term or imprisonment as the sentence or punishment.

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English → Spanish

frase

FRAH-seh/ˈfɾase/

nounA1general
Use 'frase' when referring to a short, complete expression or a sentence in a general, everyday context, often interchangeable with 'oración'.
A small, friendly blue bird sitting on a branch. Three distinct, colorful, geometric shapes (a circle, a square, and a triangle) are floating together in a connected chain, emanating from the bird's beak, representing a short phrase.

Examples

Escribe una frase sencilla en el cuaderno.

Write a simple sentence in the notebook.

Esta frase tiene un error de puntuación.

This phrase has a punctuation error.

Necesito aprender algunas frases básicas para el viaje.

I need to learn some basic phrases for the trip.

Gender Check

Remember that 'frase' is feminine, so you must use 'la frase' or 'una frase'.

Frase vs. Oración

Mistake: “Using 'frase' when referring specifically to a complete thought with a subject and verb, especially in grammar class.”

Correction: While 'frase' is fine in everyday talk, technically, 'oración' is the word for a complete grammatical sentence. Think of 'frase' as the general term for 'a group of words.'

oración

nounA1linguistic
Use 'oración' for a grammatically complete linguistic unit that expresses a thought, especially in formal or academic writing contexts.

Examples

Cada oración debe terminar con un punto final.

Every sentence must end with a period.

sentencia

sen-TEN-see-ah/senˈten.θja/

nounB1legal
Use 'sentencia' specifically for the formal legal judgment or judicial punishment handed down by a court.
A large wooden gavel resting on a round wooden sound block, symbolizing a final legal judgment.

Examples

La sentencia por el robo fue de cinco años de prisión.

The sentence for the robbery was five years in prison.

El juez dictará la sentencia el próximo martes.

The judge will issue the verdict next Tuesday.

Los abogados están preparando una apelación contra la sentencia.

The lawyers are preparing an appeal against the ruling.

The Action of Judging

To say that a judge 'passes' or 'issues' a sentence, use the verb 'dictar': 'El juez dictó sentencia' (The judge issued the sentence).

condena

/kon-DEH-nah//konˈde.na/

nounB1legal
Use 'condena' to refer to the judicial punishment or sentence itself, emphasizing the aspect of condemnation or penalty.
A close-up view of a large wooden judge's gavel resting on a round wooden sound block, symbolizing a final judicial decision.

Examples

La corte dictó una condena de diez años de prisión.

The court handed down a sentence of ten years in prison.

Su condena por fraude arruinó su carrera.

His conviction for fraud ruined his career.

El presidente expresó su condena por los actos de violencia.

The president expressed his condemnation of the acts of violence.

Gender and Articles

Since 'condena' is feminine, always use 'la' before it, or 'una' if you mean 'a sentence' (e.g., 'la condena', 'una condena').

Confusing 'Condena' and 'Sentencia'

Mistake: “Using 'sentencia' only for the punishment length.”

Correction: 'Sentencia' usually refers to the judge's ruling or verdict, while 'condena' refers specifically to the punishment imposed.

pena

/PEH-nah//ˈpena/

nounB2legal
Use 'pena' to refer to the punishment or penalty imposed by a court, often focusing on the duration or nature of the suffering.
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.

prisión

nounB2legal
Use 'prisión' when referring specifically to the prison term or imprisonment as the sentence or punishment.

Examples

El juez lo sentenció a prisión perpetua.

The judge sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Confusing Linguistic vs. Legal Sentences

Learners often mix up 'frase'/'oración' (linguistic unit) with 'sentencia'/'condena'/'pena' (legal punishment). Always consider the context: are you talking about grammar or a court's decision?

Related Translations

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