How to Say "to scold" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to scold” is “regañar” — use this word when a parent, guardian, or authority figure is telling a child or subordinate that they have done something wrong in a common, everyday context..
regañar
/reh-gah-NYAHR//reɡaˈɲaɾ/
Examples
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.
retar
/reh-TAHR//reˈtaɾ/
Examples
Mi mamá me retó porque no hice la tarea.
My mom scolded me because I didn't do my homework.
No me retes más, ya sé que estuvo mal.
Don't scold me anymore; I already know it was wrong.
El profesor retó a todo el curso por el ruido.
The teacher told the whole class off for the noise.
Why it's used here
This meaning uses the same structure as 'to challenge'. You scold 'a' (someone). Example: 'Retó a su hijo' (He scolded his son).
Assuming it means 'challenge' in Argentina
Mistake: “Thinking someone wants a fight when they say 'me retó'.”
Correction: In Argentina, if someone says 'mi jefe me retó', it means the boss scolded them, not that they are having a duel!
Regañar vs. Retar Nuances
Related Translations
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