Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| regañar | /reɡaˈɲaɾ/ | |
| reprochar | /repɾoˈt͡ʃaɾ/ | |
| reprender | /repɾenˈdeɾ/ | |
| reprobar | /repɾoˈbaɾ/ | |
| retar | /reˈtaɾ/ | colloquial |
| reprehender | /repɾeenˈdeɾ/ |
The term 'rebuke' in Spanish can take several forms depending on whether you are performing a verbal scolding, expressing moral disapproval or delivering an official reprimand. While verbs like reprender or regañar involve direct criticism, reprobar is used to express moral or social disapproval of something rather than a direct verbal scolding. You may also use reprochar when the rebuke is directed at a specific action or behavior that one feels is a fault or an offense. Additionally, the verb advertir primarily means 'to warn' but can be used to express a mild form of rebuke.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the intensity and the target of the criticism. Reprender is used to reprimand, especially in professional or official contexts. Regañar is used for a direct, informal rebuke. Reprochar is used when the rebuke is directed at a specific action or behavior seen as a fault. Reprobar is used to express moral or social disapproval of something rather than a direct verbal scolding. Finally, retar is a colloquial way to express the idea of a rebuke.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal or professional contexts, use reprender. For informal situations, such as scolding someone in a casual setting, use regañar. The term retar is considered colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial expression echar la bronca is commonly used to mean 'to give a scolding'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/repɾenˈdeɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb reprobar is derived from the Latin reprobāre, which originally referred to testing metals to see if they were pure.
- In some Latin American countries, retar is used to mean 'to scold' a child, whereas in Spain it almost always means 'to challenge' someone to a competition or fight.
- The Spanish word reprobar is used for both moral rebuke and for failing a student in an exam.
Examples in context
- El profesor reprendió a los estudiantes por llegar tardeThe teacher rebuked the students for being late
- Mi mamá me regañó por llegar tardeMy mom rebuked me for being late
- Le reprochó a su amigo por no cumplir su promesaHe rebuked his friend for not keeping his promise
- El entrenador le echó la bronca al jugador por su falta de disciplinaThe coach rebuked the player for their lack of discipline
- El jefe tuvo que reprender al empleado.The boss had to rebuke the employee.
- No es bueno reprender a los niños así.It is not good to rebuke children like that.
- La profesora decidió reprender al estudiante por su conducta.The teacher decided to rebuke the student for his behavior.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a mistake at work.
- ElenaJavier, el supervisor te quiere reprender ahora.Javier, the supervisor wants to rebuke you now.
- JavierOh no, ¿fue por el error del informe?Oh no, was it because of the report error?
- ElenaSí, cometiste un fallo muy grave.Yes, you made a very serious mistake.
- JavierIré a su oficina inmediatamente.I will go to his office immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rebuke” translations and entries regañar, reprochar, reprender, reprobar, retar, reprehender, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries regañar, reprender, reprobar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
