Verb
/kas.tiˈɣaɾ/
The verb "castigar" refers to the action of inflicting a penalty or punishment on someone as a corrective measure or as a consequence of wrongdoing. In Spanish, it is often used in contexts related to discipline, either in familial, educational, legal, or authoritative scenarios.
"Castigar" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, although it appears more frequently in discussions surrounding law, education, and morality.
The teacher decided to punish the students for not doing their homework.
No es correcto castigar a un niño sin explicarle el motivo.
It is not right to punish a child without explaining the reason.
El juez tuvo que castigar al delincuente con una sentencia de cárcel.
"Castigar" is not typically featured as the central element of idiomatic expressions but can be involved in phrases related to discipline and consequence.
The boss does not hesitate to punish with the whip those who do not meet their targets.
No hay peor castigo que la culpa (There is no worse punishment than guilt)
He apologized because there is no worse punishment than the guilt he feels.
Castigar el error (To punish the mistake)
The word "castigar" originates from the Latin word "castigāre," which means "to chastise" or "to correct." It reflects the concept of correction or setting straight, which is consistent with its modern usage.