castigo
/kasˈt͡ʃi.ɡu/
In Portuguese, detention is called castigo.
In a school context, castigo is the standard way to refer to a student's detention. However, it is a broader term than the English word 'detention' and can be used to refer to any kind of disciplinary action or general punishment.
Meaning: punishment given to a student for a minor infraction (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Castigo is a masculine noun. Its plural form is castigos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kasˈtʃi.ɡu/. The word has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- A student might colloquially use the verb castigar to mean 'to overwork' or 'to strain' something, such as a machine or even one's own body during exercise.
- The verb form castigar shares its roots with the English word 'chastise'. Both trace back to the idea of correcting behaviour through discipline.
- The word castigo is often used in religious contexts to describe 'divine punishment' or a 'scourge' sent by a higher power.
Examples in context
- O criminoso foi condenado à detenção por cinco anos.The criminal was sentenced to detention for five years.
- O aluno recebeu um castigo na escola.The student received a detention at school.
- A professora aplicou um castigo por conversas.The teacher gave a detention for chatting.
Example conversation
Felipe and Juliana are talking about a classmate's bad day at school.
- FelipeO Lucas levou um castigo hoje?Did Lucas get a detention today?
- JulianaSim, ele foi muito bagunceiro.Yes, he was very rowdy.
- FelipeEle terá que ficar depois da aula.He will have to stay after class.
- JulianaCoitado dele, a professora é brava.Poor guy, the teacher is tough.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry castigo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries castigo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
