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B1 verb #4,500 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

sancionar

Top 4,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces sancionar en 30 secondes

Explication sancionar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry about the complex legislative meanings of 'sancionar'. Instead, think of it as a very formal way to say 'punish' or 'give a fine'. You will mostly see this word in very simple news headlines or signs. For example, if you see a sign that says 'Prohibido fumar. Se sancionará', it means 'No smoking. You will be fined'. It is a regular -ar verb, so it follows the same patterns as 'hablar' or 'caminar'. You can say 'El policía sanciona' (The police officer fines). At this stage, just recognize that it is a serious word used by authorities like police, teachers, or referees. It is not a word you use with your friends or family. If you want to say you are punishing your brother, you would use 'castigar'. Use 'sancionar' only when there is an official rule involved. Think of it like the word 'sanction' in English, but remember it is used much more often for traffic tickets and sports in Spanish. Try to remember the phrase 'sancionar con una multa' (to fine with a penalty) as a fixed block. This will help you understand basic administrative Spanish if you travel to a Spanish-speaking country. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand that some rules are official and carry consequences.

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By A2, you should be able to use 'sancionar' in simple past and future tenses to describe events. For example, 'Ayer, el árbitro sancionó al jugador' (Yesterday, the referee sanctioned the player). You are now learning about direct objects, so remember to use 'a' when you sanction a person: 'Sancionaron a María'. You will also start to notice the noun form 'sanción' (sanction/fine). At this level, you might encounter 'sancionar' when reading about sports or school rules. It's important to differentiate it from 'multar'. While 'multar' is only for money, 'sancionar' can be for other things, like not being allowed to play in the next game. You might also see it in simple workplace contexts, like 'La empresa sanciona el retraso' (The company sanctions lateness). It is a good word to use in your writing to show you know more formal vocabulary than just 'castigar'. Remember the conjugation: yo sanciono, tú sancionas, él sanciona, nosotros sancionamos, vosotros sancionáis, ellos sancionan. In the preterite: yo sancioné, tú sancionaste, él sancionó. Practice using it with the preposition 'por' to explain why someone is being punished: 'Lo sancionaron por correr en el pasillo' (They sanctioned him for running in the hallway). This level is about moving from simple recognition to basic, active use in controlled formal scenarios.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance between 'sancionar' as a punishment and its less common meaning as 'approval' or 'ratification'. You should be able to read a news article about a new law and understand if the government is 'sancionando' (punishing) a behavior or 'sancionando' (approving) a new regulation. You will also use 'sancionar' in the passive voice, which is very common in journalism: 'El equipo fue sancionado por la federación'. This requires you to know the past participle 'sancionado'. You should also be comfortable using 'sancionar' in the subjunctive mood, such as 'Es importante que el gobierno sancione la corrupción' (It is important that the government sanctions corruption). At B1, you start to see the word in more abstract contexts, like 'sanciones económicas' (economic sanctions) between countries. You should be able to explain the difference between 'sancionar' and 'castigar' to a fellow student, noting that 'sancionar' is for official institutions. This word is a key part of your vocabulary for discussing social issues, sports, and law. You should also start pairing it with adverbs like 'severamente' (severely) or 'injustamente' (unfairly) to add detail to your sentences. B1 is where you bridge the gap between simple actions and more complex social and political descriptions.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'sancionar' in all its forms and meanings. You are now able to use it in complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences: 'Si el jugador hubiera seguido las reglas, no lo habrían sancionado'. You understand the legal weight of the word and can use it in professional environments, such as during a business meeting or when writing a formal report. You should be aware of the 'procedimiento sancionador' (disciplinary procedure) in administrative law. At this level, you can distinguish between 'sancionar una ley' (to enact/ratify a law) and 'sancionar una conducta' (to punish a behavior) without hesitation. You are also familiar with the word family, including 'sancionador' (sanctioning/punitive) and 'sancionable' (punishable). You can participate in debates about whether certain actions should be 'sancionadas' by the state or left to personal ethics. Your use of the word should feel natural in high-register discussions about international politics, such as 'Las potencias mundiales decidieron sancionar al régimen por el uso de armas prohibidas'. B2 learners should also be careful with the nuances of 'sancionar' versus 'penalizar', using the latter more for technical fouls in games and the former for broader disciplinary actions. Mastery at this level means using the word with the correct prepositions (con/por) and the correct register every time.

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For C1 learners, 'sancionar' is a tool for precise legal and political expression. You should be able to analyze the historical development of the word from its Latin roots and understand why it functions as a contranym in legislative contexts. You can use 'sancionar' in academic writing to describe the legitimization of social norms: 'La sociedad sanciona ciertos comportamientos a través del estigma, incluso sin leyes escritas'. You are comfortable with the most formal uses, such as 'La sanción real' (The Royal Assent) in constitutional monarchies like Spain. You can use the word in the 'voseo' or other regional variations if necessary, though it remains a formal word everywhere. At this level, you should be able to use the word metaphorically or in highly specific technical fields like 'derecho administrativo' (administrative law). You understand the subtle difference between 'sancionar' and 'ratificar'—where 'sancionar' often implies the final, authoritative step that makes a law binding. You can write long-form essays discussing the ethics of 'sancionar' nations and the humanitarian impact of such decisions. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms like 'convalidar' or 'legitimar' when 'sancionar' might be repetitive. C1 proficiency means you can handle the word's ambiguity with ease, using context clues to instantly determine the intended meaning in complex, multi-clause sentences found in legal codes or philosophical texts.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'sancionar' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker with a background in law or political science. You appreciate the word's role in the 'teoría general del derecho' (general theory of law), where 'sanción' is a fundamental concept. You can use the verb in its most archaic or highly specialized senses, such as in the context of 'sanción pragmática' (pragmatic sanction) in historical documents. You are capable of identifying the 'poder sancionador' (punitive power) of the state and discussing its limits in a legal or philosophical framework. In your speech and writing, 'sancionar' is used with perfect precision, reflecting the exact degree of formality and authority required. You can effortlessly switch between its punitive meaning in a discussion about sports ethics and its ratifying meaning in a lecture on constitutional law. You also understand the psychological and sociological implications of 'sancionar', such as how social groups 'sancionan' (validate) certain linguistic shifts or cultural trends. At C2, you might even play with the word's dual meaning for rhetorical effect in a speech or a high-level piece of journalism. You have a deep understanding of how this word interacts with other legal terms like 'tipificar', 'derogar', or 'promulgar'. Your mastery is not just about the word itself, but about the entire ecosystem of authority and law that it represents.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

sancionar en 30 secondes

Sancionar primarily means to officially punish or fine someone for breaking rules, especially in sports, law, or professional environments.
It is a formal verb, distinct from the everyday 'castigar', and implies that the penalty comes from an institutional authority.
In a legal or governmental context, it can also mean to officially ratify or approve a law or decree.
Commonly paired with 'con' for the penalty (sancionar con multa) and 'por' for the reason (sancionar por fraude).

The Spanish verb sancionar is a fascinating linguistic tool that carries a dual weight, often acting as what linguists call a 'contranym' or 'auto-antonym' depending on the context, though its punitive sense is significantly more common in daily Spanish. At its core, to sancionar someone or something is to apply the force of law or regulation. In the vast majority of cases you will encounter in news, sports, and daily conversation, it means to impose a penalty, fine, or punishment for a transgression. However, in a strictly legislative or formal context, it can also mean the exact opposite: to officially approve, ratify, or give legal validity to a document or law. Understanding this distinction is crucial for reaching a B1 level of proficiency and beyond.

Punitive Usage: This is the most frequent application. It refers to the act of a governing body, official, or authority figure applying a negative consequence to an individual or entity that has broken a rule. For example, 'La FIFA decidió sancionar al jugador por conducta antideportiva' (FIFA decided to sanction the player for unsportsmanlike conduct).

El comité de ética tuvo que sancionar a la empresa con una multa millonaria tras descubrirse el fraude fiscal.

Legislative Usage: In high-level government Spanish, this refers to the final step of a bill becoming law. When a head of state 'sanciona' a law, they are signing it into effect. It is the act of 'sanctioning' in the sense of 'blessing' or 'authorizing'.

Sociolinguistically, 'sancionar' is a formal verb. You wouldn't typically use it when a parent punishes a child (where you'd use 'castigar'), but rather when an institution (a school board, a government, a sports league) takes action. It implies a procedural or bureaucratic framework behind the punishment. In European Spanish, it is the standard term for traffic fines in a formal context: 'sancionar una infracción de tráfico'. In Latin American contexts, the usage remains largely the same, maintaining its gravitas and administrative tone across the Atlantic. When you use 'sancionar', you are signaling that the consequences are official and documented.

Es necesario sancionar los comportamientos discriminatorios en el lugar de trabajo para garantizar la igualdad.

Administrative Context: In the workplace, a HR department might 'sancionar' an employee for repeated lateness. This usually involves a formal warning or a temporary suspension of salary, distinguishing it from a simple verbal reprimand.

Historically, the word derives from the Latin 'sanctio', which meant a decree or a law that was made 'sacred' or 'inviolable'. This explains why it can mean both the law itself (approval) and the penalty for breaking it. In modern Spanish, the 'penalty' meaning has taken over about 90% of usage in common parlance. When you hear a news anchor say 'El gobierno ha decidido sancionar...', they are likely talking about international economic sanctions or domestic penalties for non-compliance with new regulations. It is a word of authority, power, and the enforcement of order.

Si no respetas las normas de seguridad, la empresa se verá obligada a sancionar tu conducta.

Using sancionar correctly requires an understanding of its transitivity and the typical objects it takes. As a transitive verb, it always acts upon something or someone. You 'sancionar' a person (the transgressor) or you 'sancionar' an action (the transgression). In terms of grammar, it follows the regular conjugation of -ar verbs, making it relatively easy to manipulate once you master the context.

Direct Object: The Person: When the object is a person, we use the personal 'a'. Example: 'El árbitro sancionó a Messi' (The referee sanctioned Messi). Here, the focus is on the individual receiving the penalty.

La universidad decidió sancionar a los estudiantes que plagiaron sus tesis finales.

Direct Object: The Action: When the object is the crime or infraction itself, no personal 'a' is needed. Example: 'La ley sanciona el robo con prisión' (The law sanctions theft with prison). This usage highlights the legal consequence of a specific behavior.

In the passive voice, 'sancionar' is very common in news reporting. 'El jugador fue sancionado con tres partidos de suspensión' (The player was sanctioned with a three-game suspension). This structure is preferred when the focus is on the person affected rather than the committee that made the decision. Furthermore, in reflexive or reciprocal contexts, though rare, it could appear if two parties are penalizing each other in a trade war: 'Ambos países se sancionaron mutuamente'.

Muchos conductores son sancionados cada día por exceder los límites de velocidad permitidos.

The 'Approval' Context: When using it to mean 'ratify', the object is always a law, a decree, or a constitution. 'El Rey sancionó la Constitución de 1978'. This is a very specific, high-register use. If you are a student, you will likely only see this in history or law textbooks.

To sound more natural, pair 'sancionar' with adverbs of degree or manner. For instance, 'sancionar severamente' (to sanction severely) or 'sancionar injustamente' (to sanction unfairly). These additions provide color to the administrative action. In a professional email, you might say, 'La empresa se reserva el derecho de sancionar cualquier incumplimiento del contrato', which sounds much more professional and authoritative than using 'castigar'. Mastery of this verb allows you to navigate professional and legal environments in Spanish-speaking countries with much greater ease.

El reglamento interno permite sancionar económicamente a quienes dañen el mobiliario.

You will encounter sancionar in four primary arenas: the sports world, the news/politics sector, legal/administrative environments, and international relations. Each of these spheres utilizes the word with slight variations in tone and implication, making it a versatile staple of formal Spanish communication.

Sports Journalism: This is perhaps where the word is most ubiquitous. If you watch 'El Chiringuito' or read 'Marca' or 'AS', you will see 'sancionar' daily. It refers to players being banned for yellow cards, clubs being fined for fan behavior, or athletes being caught in doping scandals. 'El jugador fue sancionado con dos partidos' is a classic headline.

La UEFA podría sancionar al club si no cumple con las reglas del juego limpio financiero.

International Relations: In the context of global politics, 'sancionar' refers to economic or diplomatic sanctions. You will hear news reports about the European Union or the United Nations deciding to 'sancionar' a country for human rights violations or illegal invasions. Here, it takes on a massive, geopolitical scale.

In administrative settings, such as a government office or a large corporation, 'sancionar' is the word of choice for official reprimands. If you receive a parking ticket in Madrid, the document will often refer to the 'procedimiento sancionador' (sanctioning procedure). It sounds cold and clinical, which is intentional for legal documents. In schools, 'sancionar' is used for serious offenses like bullying or cheating, whereas 'castigar' might be used for smaller things like talking in class.

La ONU ha votado a favor de sancionar las importaciones de petróleo de ese régimen.

Legislative News: When a new law is passed, the media might report: 'El Jefe de Estado sancionó hoy la nueva ley de vivienda'. This usage is less common in casual conversation but essential for understanding Spanish political news. It marks the transition from a 'proyecto de ley' (bill) to an 'acta' or 'ley' (law).

Finally, in the business world, 'sancionar' is used in contracts. Clauses often specify that 'el incumplimiento de estas normas será sancionado de acuerdo con la legislación vigente'. This ensures that both parties understand there is a formal mechanism for dealing with breaches. Whether you are reading a contract, watching a football match, or following international news, 'sancionar' is the authoritative verb that describes how rules are upheld and how the law is given life.

Es vital que el organismo regulador tenga el poder de sancionar a los bancos que engañen a sus clientes.

While sancionar is a cognate of the English 'to sanction', it is a tricky one because both languages share the same dual-meaning confusion. However, there are specific pitfalls in Spanish that learners should avoid to ensure they don't sound unnatural or confusing.

Confusion with 'Castigar': The most common mistake is using 'sancionar' in informal or personal contexts. You wouldn't 'sancionar' your dog for eating your homework or 'sancionar' a friend for being late to dinner. In these cases, use 'castigar' (to punish) or 'regañar' (to scold). 'Sancionar' requires an official rulebook or a formal authority.

Incorrecto: Mi madre me sancionó sin salir el fin de semana. (Use 'castigó' instead).

The 'Approval' Trap: Learners often forget that 'sancionar' can mean 'to approve'. If you read 'El presidente sancionó la ley', you might think he punished the law! Context is key. If the object is a person, it's a punishment. If the object is a piece of legislation, it's usually an approval. Mistaking these can lead to a complete misunderstanding of political news.

Another mistake involves the preposition used for the penalty. Many learners try to use 'por' for both the reason and the penalty. Remember: 'sancionar POR (reason)' but 'sancionar CON (penalty)'. For example: 'Lo sancionaron POR robar CON una multa'. Using 'por' for the fine ('sancionar por una multa') is a common error that makes the sentence sound like the fine itself was the crime.

Error común: El juez sancionó por 500 euros. (Correcto: sancionó con una multa de 500 euros).

Noun vs. Verb Confusion: Sometimes learners use the noun 'sanción' where the verb is required. For example, saying 'El comité sanción al equipo' instead of 'El comité sancionó al equipo'. While 'sanción' is very common, it cannot function as a verb.

Finally, be careful with the register. Using 'sancionar' in a very casual chat with friends might sound overly dramatic or 'robotic'. If you're telling a friend that your boss was mean to you, saying 'Mi jefe me sancionó' sounds like a formal HR action. If he just yelled at you, 'Mi jefe me echó la bronca' is much more natural. Understanding the weight of 'sancionar' helps you match your vocabulary to the social situation.

Es importante no sancionar sin tener pruebas claras de la infracción cometida.

To truly master sancionar, you must know how it compares to its synonyms and when to choose one over the other. Spanish has a rich vocabulary for discipline and approval, and picking the right word defines your level of fluency.

Sancionar vs. Castigar: 'Castigar' is general and can be informal (parents, teachers, friends). 'Sancionar' is formal and institutional (laws, sports leagues, governments). Use 'castigar' for 'to punish' in a broad sense, and 'sancionar' for official penalties.

Mientras que un padre puede castigar a su hijo, el estado debe sancionar al ciudadano que infringe la ley.

Sancionar vs. Multar: 'Multar' specifically means to impose a financial penalty (a fine). 'Sancionar' is broader—it could be a fine, but it could also be a suspension, a ban, or a public reprimand. All 'multas' are 'sanciones', but not all 'sanciones' are 'multas'.

When 'sancionar' means 'to approve', its synonyms are 'aprobar', 'ratificar', and 'validar'. 'Aprobar' is the most common for any context (exams, laws, ideas). 'Ratificar' is used when a higher authority confirms a previous decision. 'Sancionar' in this sense is almost exclusively used for the final signing of a law by a monarch or president. For example, 'El Parlamento aprueba la ley, y el Rey la sanciona'. This distinction is vital for understanding the stages of the legislative process.

El director decidió validar el acuerdo, aunque no quiso sancionar formalmente el documento hasta el lunes.

Penalizar: This is very close to 'sancionar' in sports and games. You 'penalize' a foul. 'Penalizar' focuses more on the immediate loss of points or time, whereas 'sancionar' often implies a broader disciplinary action following the event.

Lastly, consider 'corregir'. While sometimes used as a euphemism for punishment, it focuses on 'fixing' the behavior. 'Sancionar' doesn't care about fixing; it cares about the consequence of the rule-breaking. By learning these nuances, you move from simply 'knowing a word' to 'mastering a concept'. Using 'sancionar' correctly demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of the Spanish administrative and legal landscape.

Es mejor prevenir que tener que sancionar a los empleados por falta de conocimiento de las reglas.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word is related to 'saint' and 'sanctuary' because in ancient times, laws were often made sacred and placed under the protection of the gods.

Guide de prononciation

UK /san.θjoˈnaɾ/

US /san.sjoˈnaɾ/

The stress is on the final syllable 'nar' because it is an infinitive ending in 'r'.

Rime avec

caminar hablar amar llegar pensar dar estar jugar

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'c' as a hard 'k' (like 'sankionar').
Stressing the second syllable 'cio' instead of the final 'nar'.
Confusing the 's' and 'c' spelling.
Swallowing the final 'r' sound.
Nasalizing the 'an' too much like in French.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize as a cognate, but tricky due to the dual meaning in legal texts.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct preposition usage (con/por) and knowledge of the personal 'a'.

Expression orale 3/5

Regular conjugation makes it easy to say, but pronunciation of the 'c' varies by region.

Écoute 3/5

Common in news and sports; context usually makes the meaning clear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

ley castigar multa regla árbitro

Apprends ensuite

promulgar ratificar infringir impugnar absolver

Avancé

jurisprudencia tipicidad coerción ius puniendi arbitrariedad

Grammaire à connaître

Personal 'a'

Sancionar **a** los culpables.

Preposition 'por' for cause

Sancionado **por** robar.

Preposition 'con' for instrument/penalty

Sancionado **con** una multa.

Passive Voice with 'ser'

El jugador **fue sancionado**.

Subjunctive for desires/orders

Quiero que lo **sancionen**.

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Exemples par niveau

El policía va a sancionar al conductor.

The police officer is going to fine the driver.

Future with 'ir a' + infinitive.

El profesor no quiere sancionar a los niños.

The teacher does not want to punish the children.

Negative sentence with personal 'a'.

Es malo sancionar sin una razón.

It is bad to sanction without a reason.

Infinitive used as a subject.

¿Pueden sancionar por comer aquí?

Can they fine you for eating here?

Third person plural used impersonally.

Ellos van a sancionar al equipo mañana.

They are going to sanction the team tomorrow.

Personal 'a' used with a collective noun 'equipo'.

Yo no sanciono a mis amigos.

I don't punish my friends.

Present tense, first person singular.

La ley debe sancionar el robo.

The law must sanction theft.

Modal verb 'debe' + infinitive.

El árbitro sanciona la falta.

The referee sanctions the foul.

Simple present tense.

Ayer el árbitro sancionó al defensa central.

Yesterday the referee sanctioned the center back.

Preterite tense, third person singular.

Si rompes las reglas, te van a sancionar.

If you break the rules, they are going to sanction you.

Conditional 'si' + direct object pronoun 'te'.

La empresa sancionó a Pedro por llegar tarde.

The company sanctioned Pedro for arriving late.

Preposition 'por' + infinitive to indicate cause.

Nunca me han sancionado en el trabajo.

I have never been sanctioned at work.

Present perfect tense.

¿Por qué sancionaron a ese jugador?

Why did they sanction 그 player?

Interrogative sentence in the preterite.

El ayuntamiento sanciona a los que tiran basura.

The city council fines those who litter.

Relative clause 'los que'.

Mañana sancionarán el nuevo reglamento de la escuela.

Tomorrow they will sanction (approve) the new school regulations.

Future tense.

Nosotros no sancionamos conductas agresivas.

We do not sanction (tolerate/approve) aggressive behaviors.

Present tense, first person plural.

Espero que no sancionen al equipo por culpa de los fans.

I hope they don't sanction the team because of the fans.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

El jugador fue sancionado con una multa de diez mil euros.

The player was sanctioned with a ten thousand euro fine.

Passive voice 'fue' + past participle.

Si el gobierno sancionara la ley, todo cambiaría.

If the government were to sanction the law, everything would change.

Imperfect subjunctive in a conditional sentence.

Han decidido sancionar económicamente a la aerolínea.

They have decided to sanction the airline financially.

Adverb 'económicamente' modifying the verb.

Ningún país debería sancionar a otro sin pruebas.

No country should sanction another without proof.

Conditional mood 'debería'.

El comité está sancionando todas las infracciones graves.

The committee is sanctioning all serious infractions.

Present continuous tense.

Para evitar que nos sancionen, debemos seguir el protocolo.

To avoid being sanctioned, we must follow the protocol.

Subjunctive after 'para evitar que'.

La federación suele sancionar con dureza el dopaje.

The federation usually sanctions doping harshly.

Verb 'soler' + infinitive.

El decreto fue sancionado por el Rey tras meses de debate.

The decree was sanctioned (enacted) by the King after months of debate.

Passive voice with an agent 'por el Rey'.

Resulta injusto sancionar a alguien por algo que no hizo.

It is unfair to sanction someone for something they didn't do.

Impersonal 'resulta' + adjective + infinitive.

La Comisión Europea se dispone a sancionar a los gigantes tecnológicos.

The European Commission is preparing to sanction the tech giants.

Reflexive verb 'disponerse a' + infinitive.

A pesar de las críticas, el director sancionó la conducta del gerente.

Despite the criticism, the director sanctioned the manager's conduct.

Concessive phrase 'a pesar de'.

No creo que sancionen al ministro por ese pequeño error.

I don't think they will sanction the minister for that small error.

Subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

El reglamento permite sancionar de oficio cualquier irregularidad.

The regulations allow for the ex officio sanctioning of any irregularity.

Adverbial phrase 'de oficio' (automatically/officially).

Si hubieran sancionado a tiempo, el problema no habría crecido.

If they had sanctioned in time, the problem would not have grown.

Pluperfect subjunctive in a third conditional.

Sancionar la violencia en los estadios es una prioridad nacional.

Sanctioning violence in stadiums is a national priority.

Infinitive as a noun subject.

La potestad de sancionar reside exclusivamente en el poder judicial.

The power to sanction resides exclusively in the judicial branch.

Formal noun phrase 'la potestad de sancionar'.

Se procedió a sancionar la ley de presupuestos generales.

They proceeded to sanction (ratify) the general budget law.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

La ambigüedad del término permite sancionar interpretaciones diversas.

The ambiguity of the term allows for the sanctioning (validation) of diverse interpretations.

Abstract usage of the verb.

Es imperativo que el organismo no sancione arbitrariamente.

It is imperative that the body does not sanction arbitrarily.

Subjunctive after an impersonal expression of necessity.

El Consejo de Seguridad ha amenazado con sancionar el incumplimiento del tratado.

The Security Council has threatened to sanction the breach of the treaty.

Verb 'amenazar con' + infinitive.

Sancionar una norma no es lo mismo que promulgarla.

Sanctioning a norm is not the same as promulgating it.

Comparison of two infinitives.

La historia sancionará a aquellos que traicionaron sus principios.

History will sanction (judge/punish) those who betrayed their principles.

Metaphorical use in the future tense.

El derecho administrativo busca regular cómo sancionar a los funcionarios.

Administrative law seeks to regulate how to sanction civil servants.

Indirect interrogative 'cómo' + infinitive.

La sanción regia es el acto por el cual el monarca sanciona las leyes aprobadas.

Royal assent is the act by which the monarch sanctions the approved laws.

Relative clause 'por el cual'.

Resulta paradójico que se pretenda sancionar la libertad de expresión.

It is paradoxical that they intend to sanction (penalize) freedom of expression.

Subjunctive in a subordinate clause expressing paradox.

El órgano regulador carece de competencia para sancionar tales actos.

The regulatory body lacks the jurisdiction to sanction such acts.

Formal phrase 'carecer de competencia'.

La jurisprudencia ha evolucionado en cuanto a la forma de sancionar el fraude.

Jurisprudence has evolved regarding the way of sanctioning fraud.

Noun 'jurisprudencia' and complex preposition 'en cuanto a'.

No se puede sancionar penalmente una conducta que no esté tipificada.

A conduct that is not codified cannot be sanctioned under criminal law.

Subjunctive in a relative clause with a negative antecedent.

La costumbre puede llegar a sancionar usos sociales antes no permitidos.

Custom can eventually sanction (validate) social uses not previously allowed.

Periphrasis 'llegar a' + infinitive.

El tribunal optó por sancionar la validez del contrato original.

The court opted to sanction (uphold/validate) the validity of the original contract.

Verb 'optar por' + infinitive.

Queda a discreción del juez sancionar o no al testigo.

It remains at the judge's discretion whether or not to sanction the witness.

Formal expression 'queda a discreción de'.

Collocations courantes

sancionar una ley

sancionar a un jugador

sancionar con una multa

sancionar severamente

sancionar de oficio

sancionar por dopaje

sancionar injustamente

procedimiento para sancionar

sancionar conductas

sancionar económicamente

Phrases Courantes

ser sancionado

— To be punished or fined by an authority.

Fue sancionado por no llevar el cinturón.

objeto de sanción

— Something that is liable to be punished.

Esa acción es objeto de sanción según el contrato.

potestad sancionadora

— The legal power to impose sanctions.

El ayuntamiento tiene potestad sancionadora en esta zona.

sin sancionar

— Unpunished or not yet approved.

El crimen quedó sin sancionar por falta de pruebas.

sancionar el texto

— To officially approve a written document or law.

El monarca sancionó el texto constitucional.

sancionar la falta

— To penalize a specific error or foul.

El árbitro no dudó en sancionar la falta.

norma sancionadora

— A rule that establishes a punishment.

Esta es una norma sancionadora muy estricta.

sancionar a posteriori

— To punish something after it has happened.

Tuvieron que sancionar a posteriori tras ver el video.

sancionar administrativamente

— To penalize through government bureaucracy rather than courts.

Te pueden sancionar administrativamente por esto.

sancionar con el despido

— To punish an employee by firing them.

La falta grave se sancionará con el despido inmediato.

Souvent confondu avec

sancionar vs castigar

Castigar is for general or personal punishment; sancionar is for official/legal penalties.

sancionar vs multar

Multar is only for money; sancionar can be for money, time, or bans.

sancionar vs aprobar

While sancionar can mean approve, it's only for the final formal step of a law.

Expressions idiomatiques

"sancionar con el látigo de la indiferencia"

— To punish someone by ignoring them completely.

Ella decidió sancionarlo con el látigo de la indiferencia.

literary

"caerle una sanción"

— To unexpectedly receive a fine or punishment.

Le cayó una sanción por aparcar en la acera.

informal

"pasar sin sanción"

— To get away with something without being punished.

Su mala conducta pasó sin sanción alguna.

neutral

"ley sancionada, ley respetada"

— A phrase implying that once a law is signed, it must be followed.

Recuerda: ley sancionada, ley respetada.

proverbial

"sancionar en caliente"

— To punish immediately after an offense without reflecting.

No es bueno sancionar en caliente; mejor espera a mañana.

colloquial

"mano dura para sancionar"

— To have a strict or harsh approach to punishment.

El nuevo jefe tiene mano dura para sancionar errores.

neutral

"sancionar por la vía rápida"

— To punish quickly using a simplified procedure.

Lo sancionaron por la vía rápida para dar ejemplo.

neutral

"quedar la ley en el tintero sin sancionar"

— For a law to be forgotten or left unsigned.

La reforma quedó en el tintero sin sancionar.

journalistic

"sancionar hasta el aire que respira"

— To punish someone for every little thing they do.

Ese sargento quiere sancionar hasta el aire que respiran los soldados.

informal/exaggerated

"sancionar con guante de seda"

— To punish someone very lightly or gently.

A pesar del robo, lo sancionaron con guante de seda.

metaphorical

Facile à confondre

sancionar vs sanción

Noun vs Verb

Sanción is the penalty itself; sancionar is the action of giving it.

Recibió una sanción (noun) porque lo sancionaron (verb).

sancionar vs sección

Similar sound

Sección means 'section' or 'part'; sancionar is to punish.

En esta sección del libro explican cómo sancionar.

sancionar vs penalizar

Near synonyms

Penalizar is often used for technical mistakes in games; sancionar is for behavioral or legal violations.

Lo penalizaron con 5 segundos, pero lo sancionaron sin correr la próxima carrera.

sancionar vs ratificar

Formal meanings

Ratificar is to confirm something already decided; sancionar is the final act of giving a law force.

El senado ratifica, el Rey sanciona.

sancionar vs condenar

Legal context

Condenar is usually for criminal sentences (prison); sancionar is for administrative or disciplinary penalties.

Lo condenaron a prisión y lo sancionaron con una inhabilitación.

Structures de phrases

Sujeto + sancionar + a + Persona

El policía sanciona al hombre.

Sujeto + sancionó + a + Persona + por + Infinitivo

El jefe sancionó a Luis por llegar tarde.

Persona + fue sancionada + con + Multa

Ella fue sancionada con 100 euros.

Es + Adjetivo + sancionar + a + Alguien

Es necesario sancionar a los que mienten.

Sancionar + la + Ley / Decreto

El Rey sancionó el decreto ley.

La potestad de sancionar + reside en + Institución

La potestad de sancionar reside en el Estado.

No creo que + sancionen + a + Nadie

No creo que sancionen a nadie hoy.

Si + hubiera + sancionado, + habría + Resultado

Si el árbitro hubiera sancionado, habríamos ganado.

Famille de mots

Noms

sanción (punishment/approval)

sancionador (the person who sanctions)

sancionamiento (the act of sanctioning - rare)

Verbes

sancionar (to sanction)

Adjectifs

sancionado (sanctioned)

sancionable (punishable)

sancionador (punitive/sanctioning)

Apparenté

ley

multa

castigo

árbitro

ratificación

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in news, sports, and formal writing; low in casual family conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Usar 'sancionar' para niños en casa. → Castigar a los niños.
'Sancionar' es demasiado formal para el ámbito familiar.
Sancionar por una multa. → Sancionar con una multa.
Se usa 'con' para indicar el tipo de castigo recibido.
Olvidar la 'a' personal: 'Sancionar el jugador'. → Sancionar al jugador.
Como es un objeto directo de persona, requiere la preposición 'a'.
Confundir el significado en política. → Entender que 'sancionar la ley' es aprobarla.
En contextos legislativos, significa ratificar, no castigar.
Escribir 'sansionar' con dos 's'. → Sancionar.
Proviene de 'sanción', que se escribe con 'c'.

Astuces

Institutional Focus

Always associate 'sancionar' with an office, a court, or a sports league. If there is no official rulebook, use 'castigar'.

The 'Con' vs 'Por' Rule

Think: Sancionar POR (the crime) CON (the fine). Example: Sancionar por velocidad con 200 euros.

Sports News

If you want to practice this word, read the sports section of a Spanish newspaper. You will see it in almost every article.

Professionalism

In a formal complaint or business letter, use 'sancionar' to refer to penalties. It makes you sound much more authoritative and fluent.

Cognate Warning

Don't assume it always means 'punish'. If you hear it in a political speech about a new law, it might mean 'approve'.

Personal 'A'

Never forget: Sancionar A alguien. The 'a' is essential when the victim of the sanction is a person.

International Sanctions

In plural ('las sanciones'), it almost always refers to international economic measures against a country.

Latin Roots

Remember 'Sanctify'. To sancionar a law is to make it 'sacred' or official. This helps you remember the 'approve' meaning.

Stress the End

Spanish infinitives are stressed on the last syllable. Practice saying 'san-cio-NAR' with a clear 'r' at the end.

News Scanning

When scanning headlines, 'sanciona' usually means a penalty was just announced. It's a key word for staying informed.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Sanction' in English. It's almost the same word! Just remember that in Spanish, it's the standard word for a traffic fine or a red card in soccer.

Association visuelle

Imagine a judge holding a giant 'C' (for 'sancionar') and using it as a hammer to hit a law book.

Word Web

Ley Multa Árbitro Gobierno Castigo Aprobar Falta Regla

Défi

Try to write three sentences: one about a soccer player, one about a traffic ticket, and one about a president signing a law, all using 'sancionar'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin 'sanctio', which comes from 'sancire' (to make sacred, to decree).

Sens originel : To make something sacred or inviolable by a law or decree.

Romance (Latin)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using it in a workplace; it implies a very formal and serious disciplinary action that could lead to legal consequences.

In English, 'sanction' is often used for international trade bans. In Spanish, it's much more common for everyday things like speeding tickets.

The Spanish Constitution of 1978 mentions the King's duty to 'sancionar y promulgar las leyes'. FIFA's disciplinary code is frequently cited in Spanish news using this verb. The 'Ley Mordaza' (Gag Law) in Spain is often discussed in terms of its power to 'sancionar' protesters.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Sports

Sancionar con tres partidos
Sancionar al capitán
Recibir una sanción
Sancionar por conducta violenta

Law/Politics

Sancionar la ley
Sancionar el decreto
Sancionar el incumplimiento
Sanción real

Traffic

Sancionar por exceso de velocidad
Sancionar el mal aparcamiento
Sanción administrativa
Boletín de sanción

Workplace

Sancionar la falta de puntualidad
Sancionar el acoso
Régimen sancionador interno
Sancionar con suspensión de sueldo

International Relations

Sancionar al país
Sancionar las importaciones
Sanciones económicas
Votar para sancionar

Amorces de conversation

"¿Crees que deberían sancionar más duramente a los políticos corruptos?"

"¿Alguna vez te han sancionado por una infracción de tráfico injusta?"

"¿Qué opinas de sancionar a los países que no cumplen los acuerdos climáticos?"

"¿Es justo sancionar a un equipo entero por el comportamiento de unos pocos fans?"

"¿Cómo crees que una empresa debería sancionar el uso excesivo del móvil en el trabajo?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre una vez que fuiste sancionado (o castigado) y si crees que fue justo o no.

Imagina que eres el presidente de un país. ¿Qué nuevas leyes te gustaría sancionar para mejorar la sociedad?

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de sancionar las conductas discriminatorias en las redes sociales.

Describe el proceso de cómo un árbitro debe decidir cuándo sancionar una falta en un partido importante.

¿Crees que sancionar económicamente es la mejor forma de cambiar el comportamiento de las personas?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Sí, en contextos legales y políticos muy formales significa aprobar o ratificar una ley. Por ejemplo, cuando un presidente firma una ley, la está sancionando. Sin embargo, en la vida diaria, casi siempre significa castigar.

La diferencia es la formalidad. 'Castigar' se usa en casa o con amigos (ej. castigar a un niño). 'Sancionar' se usa en instituciones, deportes profesionales o por la ley (ej. sancionar a un conductor).

Se puede decir 'multar' o 'sancionar con una multa'. 'Multar' es más específico para dinero, mientras que 'sancionar' es más general.

Sí, es un verbo regular acabado en -ar. Se conjuga exactamente como 'hablar' o 'cantar' en todos los tiempos.

Sí, si el objeto directo es una persona específica. Por ejemplo: 'Sancionaron a Juan'. No se usa si el objeto es una cosa: 'Sancionaron la conducta'.

Usamos 'por' para la razón ('sancionar por una falta') y 'con' para el castigo ('sancionar con una multa').

Sí, es muy común en las noticias: 'El jugador fue sancionado'. Esto pone el foco en la persona que recibe el castigo.

Sí, es una palabra estándar en todo el mundo hispano, especialmente en contextos formales, legales y deportivos.

Gramaticalmente puedes, pero suena muy extraño. Es mejor decir 'castigar' o 'reñir' a tu perro, porque 'sancionar' suena como si tu perro tuviera un contrato legal contigo.

Es el término técnico para cuando el Rey de España firma y aprueba oficialmente una ley que ha sido aprobada por el Parlamento.

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