castigo corporal
/kastiɡo koɾpoɾal/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase corporal punishment is translated into Spanish as castigo corporal.
castigo corporal refers to a form of punishment achieved by inflicting blows to the offender's body. You can also use Pena corporal to convey the general concept of corporal punishment, or the very common alternative el castigo físico to mean physical punishment.
Meaning: form of punishment achieved by inflicting blows to the offender's body (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term castigo corporal is composed of castigo (punishment) and corporal (corporal or pertaining to the body).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term azotes is commonly used to refer to corporal punishment, specifically spanking or whipping. In Mexico, the term nalgadas is used to describe corporal punishment involving spanking or hitting on the buttocks.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural corporal punishments, both the noun and the adjective must change to their plural forms: castigos corporales.
How do you pronounce it?
/kastiɡo koɾpoɾal/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of castigo is castigāre, which originally meant to make pure or to prune a tree.
- The adjective corporal is used in both Spanish and English to mean 'of the body', but in Spanish, it is more frequently used in religious contexts, such as the corporal cloth used during Mass.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, dar una nalgada can be used affectionately to describe a playful pat on the backside rather than a punishment.
Examples in context
- El castigo corporal no es una forma efectiva de educar a los niños.Corporal punishment is not an effective way to educate children.
- En algunos países, la pena corporal está prohibida por ley.In some countries, corporal punishment is prohibited by law.
- Recuerdo cuando mi padre me daba una paliza por desobedecer.I remember when my father would give me a beating for disobeying.
- No estoy de acuerdo con el uso del correctivo físico para disciplinar a los niños.I don't agree with the use of physical punishment to discipline children.
- El castigo corporal está prohibido en la escuela.Corporal punishment is prohibited in school.
- Muchos países han eliminado el castigo corporal.Many countries have eliminated corporal punishment.
- Ella se opone al castigo corporal de cualquier tipo.She opposes corporal punishment of any kind.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing education laws.
- JavierSofía, ¿sabes si el castigo corporal es legal aquí?Sofía, do you know if corporal punishment is legal here?
- SofíaNo, Javier, es ilegal en todo el país.No, Javier, it is illegal in the whole country.
- JavierMe alegra saber que no permiten el castigo corporal.I am glad to know that they do not allow corporal punishment.
- SofíaSí, hay mejores formas de educar a los niños.Yes, there are better ways to educate children.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “corporal punishment” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries castigo, corporal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
