How to Say "to sentence" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to sentence” is “sentenciar” — use 'sentenciar' when referring to a judge or court officially imposing a legal punishment or penalty on someone convicted of a crime.
Use 'sentenciar' when referring to a judge or court officially imposing a legal punishment or penalty on someone convicted of a crime.
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Use 'condenar' when expressing strong disapproval, denunciation, or condemnation of actions, behaviors, or situations, often from a moral or international standpoint, rather than a direct legal sentencing.
Learn more →sen-ten-syahrsentenˈsjaɾ
Examples
El juez sentenció al acusado a diez años de prisión.
The judge sentenced the accused to ten years in prison.
Después de un largo juicio, finalmente lo van a sentenciar hoy.
After a long trial, they are finally going to sentence him today.
La ley prohíbe sentenciar a alguien sin pruebas suficientes.
The law prohibits sentencing someone without sufficient evidence.
Using 'a' with the person receiving the sentence
When you mention the person being sentenced, always use the 'personal a.' For example: 'Sentenciaron a Juan' (They sentenced Juan).
Sentenciar vs. Condenar
While often interchangeable, 'sentenciar' is the act of the judge formally reading the decision, while 'condenar' focuses on the punishment or finding of guilt.
Writing sentences vs. Legal sentences
Mistake: “Usé el verbo sentenciar para decir que escribí una frase en mi cuaderno.”
Correction: Use 'escribir una oración' or 'redactar.' 'Sentenciar' is only for court judgments or very dramatic final statements; it doesn't mean to write a grammatical sentence.
kon-DEH-nahkonˈde.na
Examples
La comunidad internacional condena estos actos de terror.
The international community condemns these acts of terror.
El juez siempre condena a los culpables.
The judge always sentences the guilty parties.
Regular AR Verb
The verb 'condenar' is a regular verb ending in -AR, meaning its conjugations follow the standard pattern for this group (like 'hablar' or 'cantar').
Noun vs. Verb Form
Mistake: “Using 'condena' (noun) when you need the action form 'condena' (verb) with the wrong subject.”
Correction: Remember that 'condena' as a verb only works with 'he/she/it' or 'you (formal).' If you are talking about 'I' or 'we,' you must use 'condeno' or 'condenamos.'
Legal vs. General Condemnation
Learners often confuse 'sentenciar' and 'condenar' because both involve punishment or disapproval. Remember that 'sentenciar' is specifically for a judge imposing a legal sentence. 'Condenar' is broader, meaning to condemn or denounce something, like an action or policy, often in a moral or public sphere.
Related Translations
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