punir
/puˈni(ʁ)/
To punish in Portuguese is punir. Wiktionary also lists castigar.
Meaning: to cause to suffer for crime or misconduct (verb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| punir | /puˈni(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /puˈni(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| castigar | /kas.t͡ʃiˈɡa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /kas.t͡ʃiˈɡa(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
The verb is used to describe causing someone to suffer for a crime or misconduct. Other related terms include penalizar (to penalize), reprimir (to repress) and the phrase aplicar uma punição (to apply a punishment).
Which one should you use?
You may also use castigar to express the idea of punishment.
How do you pronounce it?
/puˈni(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- In legal Portuguese, the term pena is used for a sentence or penalty. Interestingly, pena also means 'feather' and 'pity', creating a linguistic overlap between punishment and sorrow.
- The verb castigar can be used figuratively to describe harsh weather or a difficult physical experience. For example, a scorching sun can castigar the land.
- The English word 'chastise' shares the same Latin root as castigar, meaning they both stem from the idea of making something pure through discipline.
Examples in context
- Tom queria me punir.Tom wanted to punish me.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use punir in the context of personal intent.Tatoeba #6068957 by ajdavidl, translation #2011962 by CK
- Eles vão punir todos nós.They will punish all of us.This sentence demonstrates the use of punir with a collective object.Tatoeba #7441361 by Ricardo14, translation #3727663 by CM
- Por que iríamos querer punir-te?Why would we want to punish you?This sentence shows how to use punir when asking a question.Tatoeba #8212314 by carlosalberto, translation #2014783 by CK
- Os agressores serão punidos pela lei.The aggressors will be punished by the law.
- A empresa puniu o funcionário pelas suas ações inadequadas.The company punished the employee for his inappropriate actions.
- Os pais decidiram castigar a criança por desobedecer às regras.The parents decided to punish the child for disobeying the rules.
- Os alunos foram castigados pelo professor por colar na prova.The students were punished by the teacher for cheating on the test.
- Minha avó sempre dava um castigo quando eu me comportava mal.My grandmother would always punish me when I misbehaved.
- Vou dar um castigo no meu irmão por mexer nas minhas coisas.I'm going to punish my brother for messing with my things.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Juliana are discussing a news report about a legal case.
- FelipeVocê acha que o tribunal vai punir o criminoso?Do you think the court will punish the criminal?
- JulianaSim, Felipe, ele deve ser punido severamente.Yes, Felipe, he must be punished severely.
- FelipeA justiça é necessária para a sociedade.Justice is necessary for society.
- JulianaEu concordo plenamente com você.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “punish” translations and entries punir, castigar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries castigar, punir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
