Verb
/mulˈtaɾ/
The verb "multar" means to impose a financial penalty on someone for a violation of laws or regulations, typically in contexts such as traffic violations, tax infringements, or breach of legal obligations. In the Spanish language, "multar" is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, especially within legal, governmental, and everyday settings where law enforcement is discussed.
La policía decidió multar al conductor por exceso de velocidad.
(The police decided to fine the driver for speeding.)
El ayuntamiento ha decidido multar a quienes no respeten las normas de reciclaje.
(The city council has decided to penalize those who do not respect recycling rules.)
Si no pagas tus impuestos, te pueden multar.
(If you do not pay your taxes, you can be fined.)
While "multar" itself is not typically part of many idiomatic expressions, it is often used in phrases related to paying fines or legal consequences. Here are a few relevant constructions:
El conductor está multado por estacionarse en zona prohibida.
(The driver is fined for parking in a prohibited zone.)
Recibir una multa
(To receive a fine)
Recibí una multa por no llevar mi licencia de conducir.
(I received a fine for not carrying my driver's license.)
Imponer una multa
(To impose a fine)
The verb "multar" derives from the Late Latin word "multa," meaning "penalty" or "fine." Its use has evolved in Spanish to represent the act of imposing such a penalty.
Sancionar (to sanction)
Antonyms: