libertad condicional
/libeɾtad kondiθjonal/from spelling rulesfeminine
In Spanish, the English term probation is translated as libertad condicional.
While it is the standard way to describe probation, it should not be confused with suspensión de la pena, which specifically refers to a suspended sentence.
Meaning: type of sentence (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of libertad, meaning freedom and condicional, meaning conditional.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because libertad condicional is a feminine noun phrase, it is preceded by the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/libeɾtad kondiθjonal/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking legal systems, libertad condicional is specifically used for parole after serving part of a sentence, rather than the pre-prison probation common in the US.
- The word condicional is also used in Spanish grammar to name the 'conditional tense', which is used to express hypothetical situations.
- In colloquial Spanish, someone who is on libertad condicional might be described as being 'a prueba', which literally translates to 'on trial' or 'on a test'.
Examples in context
- A Tom le condenaron a cinco días de prisión y un año de libertad condicional por conducir borracho.Tom was sentenced to five days in jail and a year on probation for drunken driving.This sentence shows how to express a sentence consisting of both jail time and a year of libertad condicional.Tatoeba #1322577 by Shishir, translation #952874 by CK
- El juez otorgó libertad condicional al acusado.The judge granted probation to the defendant.
- El empleado se encuentra en período de prueba.The employee is on probation.
- Estoy en pruebas en mi nuevo empleo.I'm on probation at my new job.
- El juez le otorgó la libertad condicional tras el juicio.The judge granted him probation after the trial.
- Ella rompió las reglas de su libertad condicional.She broke the rules of her probation.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing a true crime documentary.
- Elena¿Crees que el acusado recibirá libertad condicional?Do you think the accused will receive probation?
- AlejandroNo lo creo, su caso es muy grave.I don't think so, his case is very serious.
- ElenaEs verdad, Alejandro, podría ir directamente a prisión.It's true, Alejandro, he could go straight to prison.
- AlejandroExacto, no tiene ninguna posibilidad de libertad condicional.Exactly, he has no chance of probation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “probation” translations and entries libertad condicional, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
