How to Say "to reprimand" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to reprimand” is “regañar” — use 'regañar' when you are talking about a more direct, often verbal, scolding or telling off, usually from someone in a position of authority (like a parent or teacher) to someone younger or subordinate..
regañar
/reh-gah-NYAHR//reɡaˈɲaɾ/
Examples
Mi padre me regañó por no hacer mis deberes.
My father scolded me for not doing my homework.
Mi madre me regañó por llegar tarde.
My mother scolded me for arriving late.
La profesora regaña a los estudiantes que no hacen la tarea.
The teacher tells off the students who don't do their homework.
No me regañes, ya sé que cometí un error.
Don't scold me, I already know I made a mistake.
The Personal 'A'
Since you are usually scolding a person, you must use the word 'a' before the person you are talking about. Example: 'Regaño a mi perro' (I scold my dog).
Reason for Scolding
Use the word 'por' to explain why the scolding is happening. Example: 'Me regañan por mis notas' (They scold me for my grades).
Using 'with' instead of 'at'
Mistake: “Regaño con mi hermano.”
Correction: Regaño a mi hermano. In Spanish, you scold 'to' someone (using 'a'), not 'with' them.
corregir
/koh-rreh-HEER//koreˈxiɾ/
Examples
El profesor tuvo que corregir al estudiante por su comportamiento en clase.
The teacher had to correct the student for his behavior in class.
A veces es necesario corregir a los niños con paciencia.
Sometimes it is necessary to discipline children with patience.
El entrenador corrigió su técnica de salto.
The coach corrected his jumping technique.
Using 'a' with people
When you are correcting a person (disciplining them), remember to use the 'personal a': 'Corregir a alguien'.
Scolding vs. Correcting
Related Translations
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