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A2 verb #3,500 mais comum 12 min de leitura

condenar

Top 3,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas condenar em 30 segundos

Explicação condenar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of condenar as a word for 'bad things' that happen in stories or news. While it is a bit advanced for a beginner, you might see it in simple news headlines about 'bad people' going to jail. Just remember it looks like the English word 'condemn.' If you see 'El juez condena,' it means 'The judge says someone did a bad thing and must be punished.' Focus on the basic idea of 'saying something is very bad.' You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but recognizing it will help you understand serious topics in Spanish. Think of it as the opposite of 'premiar' (to reward).

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At the A2 level, you can start using condenar to talk about laws and rules. You should know that it often goes with the preposition 'a'. For example, 'condenar a prisión' (to condemn to prison). You might use it when talking about history or famous criminals. It is also the word used when a government says a violent act is wrong. If you are describing a movie or a book, you might say 'El héroe fue condenado injustamente' (The hero was unjustly condemned). This level is about moving from simple 'bad/good' to more formal descriptions of justice and social rules.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using condenar in both legal and social contexts. You can use it to express your own strong moral opinions about social issues like 'condenar la violencia' or 'condenar la mentira.' You should also understand the passive voice usage: 'Fue condenado por el público' (He was condemned by the public). This level also introduces the metaphorical use of being 'condemned to a fate,' such as 'condenado al fracaso' (condemned to failure). You should start noticing how it differs from 'criticar' (to criticize)—'condenar' is much stronger and implies a final judgment.

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At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of condenar in political and formal writing. You will use it to discuss international relations, human rights, and complex social debates. You should also be aware of the technical meaning of 'sealing off' something, like 'condenar una habitación' (to seal off a room). Your ability to use the word in the subjunctive or in complex sentence structures is expected here. For example: 'Es imperativo que la sociedad condene estos actos' (It is imperative that society condemns these acts). You understand that 'condenar' carries a weight of authority and finality.

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At the C1 level, you use condenar with precision in academic or professional settings. You can distinguish between 'condenar,' 'sentenciar,' and 'proscribir.' You are familiar with literary uses and the philosophical implications of the word (like existentialist 'condemnation'). You can use the word to describe complex historical processes, such as how certain ideas were 'condenadas al olvido' (condemned to oblivion). You also recognize the colloquial uses and can use them appropriately for effect, knowing they are slightly dramatic. Your use of the word reflects a deep understanding of Spanish legal and moral frameworks.

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At the C2 level, condenar is a tool for subtle rhetorical effect. You can use it in highly formal legal documents, poetic prose, or sharp political commentary. You understand its etymological roots and how it interacts with other specialized vocabulary. You might use it to describe the 'condemnation' of a building in a technical report or the 'condemnation' of a soul in a theological treatise. You are comfortable with all its idiomatic expressions and can manipulate the word's gravity to suit the specific emotional or intellectual tone of your communication. It is no longer just a verb, but a concept you can weave into complex arguments.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

condenar em 30 segundos

Condenar means to legally sentence someone or to morally denounce a bad action or behavior.
It is frequently used with the preposition 'a' when specifying a punishment or a specific fate.
In construction, it means to permanently seal or block a door, window, or passage.
It is a high-gravity word used in news, politics, and law to show definitive judgment.

The Spanish verb condenar is a multifaceted term that English speakers often recognize due to its cognate, 'to condemn.' At its core, it refers to the act of pronouncing a negative judgment, whether that judgment is legal, moral, or social. While an A2 learner might first encounter it in the context of a judge sentencing a criminal, its usage extends far beyond the courtroom into the realms of politics, religion, and everyday interpersonal ethics. Understanding condenar requires grasping the weight it carries; it is not a light criticism, but a definitive declaration of wrongness or a decree of punishment.

Legal Context: In a court of law, condenar means to find someone guilty and impose a specific sentence. It is the formal transition from being an 'acusado' (accused) to a 'convicto' (convict).

El juez decidió condenar al prisionero a diez años de cárcel por sus crímenes graves.

Moral and Social Disapproval: Outside of law, the word is used to express strong public or private disapproval. When a community or a leader speaks out against an act of violence or corruption, they condenan that action. It implies a moral stance where the action is deemed unacceptable by the standards of the group.

La comunidad internacional salió a condenar el ataque violento contra los civiles inocentes.

The word also has a religious dimension, similar to 'damning' or 'consigning to eternal punishment.' In theological discussions, one might speak of actions that condenan the soul. Furthermore, in a more metaphorical or architectural sense, 'condenar una puerta' or 'condenar una ventana' means to block it off or seal it permanently so it can no longer be used. This variety of meanings makes it a high-utility verb for students moving from basic descriptions to more nuanced social and technical commentary.

Tuvieron que condenar la puerta del sótano porque la estructura era muy inestable.

Metaphorical Use: We also use it to describe a situation that forces someone into a negative state. For example, 'su falta de educación lo condena a la pobreza' (his lack of education condemns him to poverty). Here, it acts as a deterministic force.

Esa decisión equivocada podría condenar al fracaso todo el proyecto de investigación.

In summary, condenar is a powerful verb that bridges the gap between official legal proceedings and deep-seated moral convictions. Whether you are discussing a news headline about a criminal trial, a political leader's speech against injustice, or even the closing of a doorway in an old building, this word provides the necessary weight to convey a final, often negative, judgment or state of being. Its cognate nature makes it easy to remember, but its specific Spanish prepositions and metaphorical applications require careful study for mastery.

Using condenar correctly involves understanding its transitive nature and the prepositions that typically follow it. In its most common form, it takes a direct object (the person or thing being condemned) and often an indirect object or prepositional phrase indicating the punishment or the reason. The structure is usually condenar a alguien a algo (to condemn someone to something).

The 'A' Preposition: Whenever you specify the sentence or the fate, you must use 'a'. This is crucial for legal and metaphorical contexts alike.

El tribunal procedió a condenar al acusado a cadena perpetua sin posibilidad de libertad.

When you are expressing disapproval of an abstract concept or an action, the direct object is simply the action itself. In these cases, no 'a' is needed before the object unless the object is a person (the personal 'a' rule in Spanish).

Es responsabilidad de todos condenar el racismo y cualquier forma de discriminación en nuestra sociedad.

Reflexive Usage: While less common, condenarse (reflexive) can be used to describe someone bringing about their own doom or damnation, often in a spiritual or self-sabotaging context.

Con sus mentiras constantes, él parece querer condenarse al aislamiento social y la soledad.

In political discourse, condenar is frequently used in the present tense to make official statements. Phrases like 'El gobierno condena enérgicamente...' (The government strongly condemns...) are standard in diplomatic language. This usage highlights the verb's role as a performative utterance—the act of saying it is the act of condemnation itself.

Muchos países se unieron para condenar unánimemente la violación de los derechos humanos.

Technical/Physical Usage: In construction or maintenance, it means to seal or block. This is a very specific but common use in older buildings or renovations.

El arquitecto sugirió condenar la antigua chimenea para mejorar el aislamiento térmico de la casa.

Finally, consider the word's role in literature. It often appears in the past participle form as an adjective: condenado. This can mean 'convicted' or 'damned,' but in some regions, it is used colloquially to mean 'wretched' or even 'darned' (e.g., 'este condenado coche' - this darned car), though this is more informal and varies by country.

El hombre condenado caminaba lentamente hacia su celda, aceptando su destino final.

The word condenar is a staple of Spanish-language media and formal discourse. If you tune into a news broadcast from Spain, Mexico, or Argentina, you are almost guaranteed to hear it within the first ten minutes, especially during segments covering crime, politics, or international relations. It is a word that carries the authority of the speaker, making it essential for understanding public debate.

The Newsroom: Journalists use 'condenar' to report on court rulings. You will hear phrases like 'ha sido condenado por malversación' (has been convicted of embezzlement). It provides a definitive end to a legal story.

La prensa informó que el ex-ministro fue condenado tras un juicio que duró varios meses.

In the political arena, 'condenar' is the verb of choice for official denunciations. When a terrorist attack occurs or a human rights violation is uncovered, world leaders issue statements to 'condenar los hechos' (condemn the facts/events). This is more than just saying they don't like it; it is a formal diplomatic rejection.

El presidente salió en televisión nacional para condenar el golpe de estado en el país vecino.

Religious and Philosophical Circles: In a Catholic-majority culture like much of the Spanish-speaking world, 'condenar' has deep roots in religious sermons. It refers to the damnation of the soul or the condemnation of sin. Even in secular philosophy, it’s used to discuss being 'condemned to be free' (condenados a ser libres), a famous existentialist concept.

El sacerdote dedicó su homilía a condenar la avaricia y promover la generosidad entre los fieles.

You will also encounter the word in history books and documentaries. It is used to describe the fate of historical figures who were 'condenados al ostracismo' (condemned to ostracism) or 'condenados al olvido' (condemned to oblivion). This metaphorical use helps describe the long-term consequences of historical shifts.

Muchos artistas de la vanguardia fueron condenados al olvido durante la dictadura militar.

Everyday Architecture: If you are looking at real estate or historic buildings, a guide might mention that a certain passage was 'condenado' years ago. This simply means it was walled up or permanently closed.

Al reformar el palacio, decidieron condenar las ventanas que daban al callejón oscuro.

Whether in the courtroom, the pulpit, the parliament, or the construction site, condenar is a word of finality. It marks the moment a decision becomes a reality, whether that reality is a prison sentence, a social stigma, or a bricked-up wall. For a learner, recognizing these diverse contexts is key to moving beyond simple translation and into true linguistic fluency.

While condenar is a cognate of 'condemn,' there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. These range from grammatical errors involving prepositions to semantic 'false friend' situations where another word might be more appropriate. Mastering these nuances will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Preposition 'A': In English, we say 'condemned to prison.' In Spanish, you must include the 'a'. A common mistake is saying 'condenado prisión' instead of 'condenado a prisión'.

Incorrecto: Fue condenado diez años.
Correcto: Fue condenado a diez años.

Another frequent error is using condenar when you actually mean culpar (to blame). While they are related, culpar is the act of pointing a finger, whereas condenar is the formal judgment that follows. If you want to say 'He blamed me for the mistake,' don't use condenar.

Él me culpó por el error (He blamed me).
No digas: Él me condenó por el error (unless he is a judge sentencing you).

Mistake 2: Overusing 'Condenar' for Light Criticism: English speakers sometimes use 'condemn' for any strong disagreement. In Spanish, condenar is very heavy. If you just think a movie was bad, don't say you 'condenaste la película.' Use 'criticaste' or 'no te gustó'.

La crítica censuró la película por su falta de originalidad. (Better than using 'condenó' for artistic critique).

Confusion with the verb sentenciar is also common. While they are often synonyms in legal contexts, sentenciar focuses on the act of giving the verdict, while condenar focuses on the guilt and the punishment. You can 'sentenciar' someone to be 'absuelto' (acquitted), but you can only 'condenar' someone to a punishment.

El juez lo sentenció, pero no lo condenó (The judge gave a verdict, but didn't find him guilty/punish him). This is a rare but important distinction.

Mistake 3: Misusing the Participle 'Condenado': Remember that as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number. 'Las mujeres condenadas' vs 'El hombre condenado'. Also, be careful with the colloquial use; it can sound quite old-fashioned or overly dramatic if used incorrectly.

¡Este condenado ordenador no funciona! (This darned computer doesn't work!) - Use this sparingly.

By avoiding these common errors—specifically the missing 'a', the confusion with 'culpar', and the overuse in low-stakes situations—you will use condenar with the precision and gravity it deserves in the Spanish language.

Spanish is a rich language with many shades of meaning for expressing judgment. While condenar is the most powerful and formal, several other verbs might be more appropriate depending on the level of formality and the specific context. Understanding these alternatives will help you avoid repetitive language and sound more like a native speaker.

Sentenciar vs. Condenar: As mentioned, 'sentenciar' is the formal legal act of delivering a verdict. 'Condenar' is specifically finding someone guilty and punishing them. You 'sentenciar' a trial, but you 'condenar' a criminal.

El juez sentenció el caso rápidamente, pero tardó en condenar al culpable.

Censurar vs. Condenar: 'Censurar' is often used in political or social contexts to mean 'to criticize' or 'to rebuke' officially. It is slightly less severe than 'condenar' and often refers to the suppression of information or a formal reprimand that doesn't involve prison.

El parlamento decidió censurar la conducta del diputado, aunque no lo expulsaron.

Other useful alternatives include reprochar (to reproach or blame someone for a specific action), desaprobar (to disapprove, much milder), and culpar (to blame). In a religious context, anatematizar is a very high-level, archaic word for 'to excommunicate' or 'to damn'.

Comparison Table

Condenar: Legal punishment or deep moral rejection.
Sentenciar: The act of giving any legal verdict.
Censurar: Official criticism or suppression of speech.
Reprochar: Personal or social blame for a mistake.
Desaprobar: General disagreement or lack of approval.

Mi madre suele desaprobar mis elecciones de ropa, pero nunca me condenaría por ello.

For the physical meaning of 'blocking a door,' alternatives include tapiar (to wall up) or bloquear (to block). Condenar in this sense is specifically about making the closure permanent.

Decidieron tapiar la entrada trasera después del robo para mayor seguridad.

Register and Nuance: 'Condenar' is high register. 'Echar la culpa' is low register for the same concept of assigning blame. 'Sentenciar' is strictly professional/legal.

By expanding your vocabulary to include these related terms, you can choose the exact level of 'judgment' you wish to convey. Whether it's a simple 'desaprobación' or a life-altering 'condena', your Spanish will be more nuanced and effective.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'damage' in English and 'daño' in Spanish both share the same root as 'condenar' (from the Latin 'damnum'). So, to condemn someone is literally to assign them their 'damage' or 'loss'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /kon.deˈnaɾ/

US /kon.deˈnaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: con-de-NAR.

Rima com

amar cantar hablar llegar mirar pensar tomar viajar

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'. It should be softer, almost like 'th' in 'this'.
Stressing the second syllable (con-DE-nar) instead of the third.
Making the 'r' sound like an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
Nasalizing the 'n' too much.
Confusing the 'e' sound with an 'i' sound.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'condemn'.

Escrita 4/5

Requires knowledge of the preposition 'a' and specific legal/social contexts.

Expressão oral 3/5

Useful for expressing strong opinions, but must be used with appropriate gravity.

Audição 2/5

Common in news and formal speeches, usually clearly articulated.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

juez ley malo prisión decidir

Aprenda a seguir

sentenciar absolver delito juicio culpable

Avançado

anatematizar proscribir estigmatizar excomulgar tapiar

Gramática essencial

Preposition 'a' with punishments

Condenar a alguien a diez años.

Personal 'a' with people

Condenar a los culpables.

Passive voice with 'ser'

El reo fue condenado.

Subjunctive with verbs of emotion/judgment

Espero que condenen el racismo.

Adjective agreement for 'condenado'

Las ventanas condenadas.

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Exemplos por nível

El juez va a condenar al hombre malo.

The judge is going to condemn the bad man.

Simple future with 'ir a'.

No debemos condenar a los demás sin saber.

We should not condemn others without knowing.

Infinitive after 'deber'.

Ellos condenan la guerra.

They condemn the war.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

El rey condenó al prisionero.

The king condemned the prisoner.

Preterite tense.

Es malo condenar a la gente.

It is bad to condemn people.

Infinitive as a subject.

La noticia dice que van a condenar al ladrón.

The news says they are going to condemn the thief.

Reporting speech.

Yo no condeno tus acciones.

I do not condemn your actions.

Negative present tense.

El pueblo quiere condenar el crimen.

The people want to condemn the crime.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

El tribunal decidió condenar al acusado a cinco años.

The court decided to condemn the accused to five years.

Use of 'a' before the sentence.

Muchos países condenan el uso de armas.

Many countries condemn the use of weapons.

Direct object 'el uso'.

Fue condenado a pagar una multa muy cara.

He was condemned to pay a very expensive fine.

Passive voice 'fue condenado'.

La religión condena el pecado.

Religion condemns sin.

Abstract direct object.

Tuvieron que condenar la puerta vieja.

They had to seal the old door.

Physical meaning of the verb.

El profesor condena el fraude en los exámenes.

The teacher condemns cheating on exams.

Social disapproval.

Si mientes, te vas a condenar tú mismo.

If you lie, you are going to condemn yourself.

Reflexive 'condenarse'.

La ley condena el robo con violencia.

The law condemns robbery with violence.

Subject is an abstract authority.

La opinión pública suele condenar a los políticos corruptos.

Public opinion usually condemns corrupt politicians.

Personal 'a' before 'políticos'.

Este error nos condena a repetir todo el trabajo.

This error condemns us to repeat all the work.

Metaphorical use.

Espero que no me condenen por mi pasado.

I hope they don't condemn me for my past.

Subjunctive mood.

El edificio fue condenado por ser inseguro.

The building was condemned for being unsafe.

Passive voice with 'por'.

Debemos condenar enérgicamente cualquier tipo de odio.

We must strongly condemn any kind of hate.

Adverb 'enérgicamente' modification.

Su silencio lo condena ante los ojos de los demás.

His silence condemns him in the eyes of others.

Abstract consequence.

La ONU salió a condenar el ataque químico.

The UN came out to condemn the chemical attack.

Formal international context.

No puedes condenar a alguien sin pruebas suficientes.

You cannot condemn someone without sufficient evidence.

Conditional logic.

La falta de inversión condena al hospital al cierre definitivo.

The lack of investment condemns the hospital to permanent closure.

Cause and effect relationship.

El manifiesto condena la censura en los medios de comunicación.

The manifesto condemns censorship in the media.

Written formal statement.

Aquel joven fue condenado al ostracismo por su comunidad.

That young man was condemned to ostracism by his community.

Specific historical/social idiom.

Si no actuamos ahora, condenamos a las futuras generaciones.

If we don't act now, we condemn future generations.

Future impact.

La iglesia no puede condenar lo que no comprende.

The church cannot condemn what it does not understand.

Institutional critique.

El arquitecto decidió condenar el hueco de la escalera.

The architect decided to seal off the stairwell.

Technical architectural use.

Fue condenado por un delito que no cometió.

He was convicted for a crime he did not commit.

Legal injustice context.

La sociedad no debería condenar la vulnerabilidad.

Society should not condemn vulnerability.

Social commentary.

Sartre afirmaba que el hombre está condenado a ser libre.

Sartre claimed that man is condemned to be free.

Philosophical existentialist quote.

La obra fue condenada al fuego por la Inquisición.

The work was condemned to the fire by the Inquisition.

Historical passive voice.

Su ambición desmedida terminó por condenarlo a la ruina.

His excessive ambition ended up condemning him to ruin.

Narrative arc structure.

Es un error condenar toda una cultura por los actos de unos pocos.

It is an error to condemn an entire culture for the acts of a few.

Complex subject phrase.

La resolución busca condenar las prácticas monopolísticas.

The resolution seeks to condemn monopolistic practices.

Economic/Legal jargon.

El reo fue condenado en rebeldía al no presentarse al juicio.

The defendant was sentenced in absentia for not appearing at the trial.

Legal term 'en rebeldía'.

No podemos condenar al olvido las lecciones de la historia.

We cannot condemn the lessons of history to oblivion.

Metaphorical 'condenar al olvido'.

La crítica literaria condenó la novela por su estructura inconexa.

Literary critics condemned the novel for its disjointed structure.

Specialized academic context.

La sentencia condenatoria fue recibida con estupor por la defensa.

The guilty verdict was received with astonishment by the defense.

Adjective form 'condenatoria'.

Se arriesga a condenar su legado si persiste en esa política.

He risks condemning his legacy if he persists in that policy.

Nuanced political risk.

El misticismo a veces condena el cuerpo para elevar el espíritu.

Mysticism sometimes condemns the body to elevate the spirit.

Theological/Philosophical nuance.

La obsolescencia programada condena a los dispositivos a una vida corta.

Planned obsolescence condemns devices to a short life.

Modern economic concept.

Fue condenado por el tribunal de la historia mucho antes de su muerte.

He was condemned by the court of history long before his death.

Poetic/Metaphorical judgment.

La rigidez del sistema condena cualquier atisbo de innovación.

The rigidity of the system condemns any hint of innovation.

Systemic critique.

Condenar una vía de escape puede ser fatal en caso de incendio.

Sealing off an escape route can be fatal in case of fire.

Technical safety context.

El fiscal intentó condenar la moralidad del testigo ante el jurado.

The prosecutor tried to condemn the witness's morality before the jury.

Legal strategy nuance.

Sinônimos

sentenciar censurar reprobar denunciar tapiar anatematizar culpar castigar

Antônimos

absolver perdonar elogiar premiar

Colocações comuns

condenar a muerte

condenar al olvido

condenar enérgicamente

condenar al fracaso

condenar a cadena perpetua

condenar una puerta

condenar al ostracismo

condenar la violencia

condenar al exilio

condenar por unanimidad

Frases Comuns

ser condenado a

— To be sentenced to a specific punishment.

Fue condenado a pagar los daños.

condenar los hechos

— To officially denounce specific events, usually violent ones.

La comunidad internacional condena los hechos ocurridos ayer.

condenar al silencio

— To force someone or something to be quiet or ignored.

La censura intenta condenar al silencio a los poetas.

condenar de antemano

— To judge someone before knowing the facts.

No me condenes de antemano sin escuchar mi versión.

condenar a galeras

— An old historical punishment of rowing in ships.

En el pasado, muchos eran condenados a galeras.

condenar la actitud

— To express disapproval of how someone is behaving.

El jefe condenó la actitud perezosa del empleado.

condenar para siempre

— To impose a permanent judgment or state.

Ese error lo condenó para siempre a la tristeza.

condenar el racismo

— To take a public stand against racial discrimination.

Es vital condenar el racismo en las escuelas.

condenar al fuego

— To sentence something (like books) to be burned.

Los libros prohibidos fueron condenados al fuego.

condenar la injusticia

— To speak out against unfair treatment.

Su vida fue una lucha para condenar la injusticia social.

Frequentemente confundido com

condenar vs sentenciar

Sentenciar is the broad act of giving a verdict; condenar is specifically finding guilty and punishing.

condenar vs culpar

Culpar is to accuse or blame; condenar is the final judgment after blame is established.

condenar vs criticar

Criticar is to express an opinion; condenar is a much stronger, often official, rejection.

Expressões idiomáticas

"condenado al éxito"

— Destined to succeed no matter what (often used ironically).

Con ese talento, estás condenado al éxito.

informal

"¡Qué condenado!"

— What a rascal! or What a clever/naughty person!

¡Qué condenado es ese niño!

colloquial

"condenado de Dios"

— A very unfortunate or miserable person.

Pobre hombre, es un condenado de Dios.

archaic/regional

"estar condenado a entenderse"

— To be forced by circumstances to reach an agreement.

Los dos partidos están condenados a entenderse para gobernar.

political

"condenado por su propia boca"

— When someone's own words prove their guilt.

Habló demasiado y quedó condenado por su propia boca.

neutral

"un condenado a muerte que no sabe que lo está"

— Someone in a hopeless situation who is unaware of it.

Su negocio va fatal; es un condenado a muerte que no lo sabe.

metaphorical

"condenar al pozo"

— To forget or bury something forever.

Esa vieja ley fue condenada al pozo.

informal

"más condenado que una rata"

— To be in a very bad or trapped situation.

Sin dinero y sin casa, está más condenado que una rata.

slang

"condenado a la pena negra"

— To be extremely sad or depressed.

Desde que ella se fue, vive condenado a la pena negra.

literary

"cerrar y condenar"

— To close something up permanently and definitively.

Cerraron y condenaron la mina tras el accidente.

technical

Fácil de confundir

condenar vs condonar

They sound very similar (only one letter difference).

Condenar is to punish; condonar is to forgive a debt or a penalty. They are opposites!

El banco decidió condonar su deuda, no condenarlo a la quiebra.

condenar vs condimentar

Similar beginning.

Condimentar is to season food.

Tienes que condimentar la carne, no condenarla.

condenar vs condensar

Similar sound.

Condensar is to condense or make something more dense/brief.

Vamos a condensar el informe.

condenar vs conducir

Both start with 'con-'.

Conducir is to drive or lead.

Él conduce el coche.

condenar vs conceder

Both start with 'con-'.

Conceder is to grant or give.

Le concedieron el premio.

Padrões de frases

Sujeto + condenar + a + persona

El juez condena al ladrón.

Sujeto + condenar + el/la + sustantivo

Nosotros condenamos la mentira.

Sujeto + ser condenado + a + pena

Él fue condenado a pagar mil euros.

Sujeto + condenar + a + alguien + al + destino

La guerra condenó al pueblo al hambre.

Es + adjetivo + que + sujeto + condene

Es necesario que el mundo condene el ataque.

Sujeto + condenar + [objeto físico]

El dueño decidió condenar el sótano.

Participio + por + causa, + sujeto...

Condenado por su pasado, el hombre no hallaba paz.

Sujeto + condenar + legado/historia

Su cobardía condenó su memoria para siempre.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

condena (sentence/conviction)

condenación (damnation)

condenado/a (convict/damned person)

Verbos

condenar (to condemn)

condenarse (to damn oneself)

Adjetivos

condenatorio/a (condemnatory/incriminating)

condenable (condemnable/blameworthy)

condenado/a (condemned)

Relacionado

pena

sentencia

juicio

castigo

culpa

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Como usar

frequency

Highly frequent in news, law, and formal discourse. Moderate in daily life.

Erros comuns

Condenar prisión → Condenar a prisión
You must use the preposition 'a' before the punishment.
Condenó el banco mi deuda → Condonó el banco mi deuda
Condenar is to punish; Condonar is to forgive a debt.
Condeno que no me gusta la sopa → No me gusta la sopa
'Condenar' is too strong for simple food preferences.
El juez sentenció al ladrón a cinco años (colloquial) → El juez condenó al ladrón a cinco años
While 'sentenciar' is used, 'condenar' is more precise for the punishment part.
Me condenó por romper el vaso → Me culpó por romper el vaso
Unless it's a legal trial, use 'culpar' for everyday blame.

Dicas

Watch the Preposition

Always remember 'condenar A'. If you forget the 'a', your sentence will sound like 'I condemn prison' instead of 'I condemn to prison'.

False Friend Alert

Don't confuse 'condenar' with 'condonar'. Condenar is to punish; condonar is to forgive (like a debt). They are opposites!

Gravity Matters

In Spanish, 'condenar' is a very heavy word. Use it for crimes and major social issues, not for small mistakes or personal dislikes.

Physical Closures

If you are talking about home renovation, 'condenar' is the perfect word for a door you don't want to use anymore.

The 'Success' Idiom

Use 'condenado al éxito' to tell someone they are so talented that they have no choice but to succeed.

News Keywords

When you hear 'condenar' on the news, listen for the phrase 'enérgicamente'—it's the most common adverb used with it.

Passive Voice

The passive voice 'fue condenado' is extremely common in journalism. Practice this structure: [Persona] + fue condenado + a + [Pena].

Literary Flair

Use 'condenar al olvido' in your essays to describe things or people that history has forgotten. It sounds very sophisticated.

Stress the End

Spanish verbs in the infinitive always stress the last syllable. Make sure you say con-de-NAR, not con-DE-nar.

Asking Opinions

Use '¿Condenas esta acción?' to ask someone if they strongly disapprove of something in a formal debate.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a judge wearing a CONe hat while DENying a prisoner his freedom in a bAR. CON-DEN-AR. He is 'condemning' him.

Associação visual

Imagine a large red 'X' being painted over a door. This is 'condenar una puerta'. Now imagine that same 'X' over a person's legal file.

Word Web

Juez Prisión Culpa Sentencia Puerta Pecado Ley Veredicto

Desafio

Try to write three sentences: one about a criminal, one about a social issue like pollution, and one about a door in your house, all using the word 'condenar'.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin verb 'condemnare,' which is a compound of 'con-' (altogether) and 'demnare' (to inflict loss or damage upon, from 'damnum' meaning loss or fine).

Significado original: Originally, it referred to the legal act of imposing a financial penalty or loss upon someone found guilty in a Roman court.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'condenar' in religious contexts, as it can sound very harsh or judgmental. In legal contexts, it is a neutral, factual term.

English speakers use 'condemn' similarly, but 'condenar' is more frequently used for the physical act of sealing doors than its English counterpart.

Jean-Paul Sartre's famous quote: 'L'homme est condamné à être libre' (El hombre está condenado a ser libre). The legal phrase 'condenado a muerte' appears in countless historical documents and movies. In Gabriel García Márquez's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude,' characters are often condemned to solitude.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Legal System

condenar a prisión
condenar a una multa
sentencia condenatoria
condenar por un delito

Politics/News

condenar el atentado
condenar la violencia
condenar enérgicamente
declaración para condenar

Construction

condenar una puerta
condenar el acceso
condenar la ventana
tapiar y condenar

Social/Moral

condenar al olvido
condenar al fracaso
condenar la actitud
condenarse a la soledad

Religion

condenar el pecado
condenación eterna
condenar el alma
anatematizar

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Crees que es justo condenar a alguien a cadena perpetua?"

"¿Qué acciones sociales deberíamos condenar con más fuerza hoy en día?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que condenar una puerta o ventana en tu casa?"

"¿Te parece que la prensa suele condenar a las personas antes del juicio?"

"¿Qué opinas de la frase de Sartre sobre estar condenados a ser libres?"

Temas para diário

Escribe sobre una situación en la que sentiste que alguien fue condenado injustamente.

Describe un edificio antiguo e imagina por qué decidieron condenar algunas de sus habitaciones.

Reflexiona sobre una decisión en tu vida que te 'condenó' a un resultado positivo o negativo.

¿Cómo crees que la sociedad debería condenar la desinformación en las redes sociales?

Escribe un diálogo entre un juez y un abogado antes de condenar a un acusado.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Sentenciar es el acto formal de dictar cualquier sentencia (puede ser de inocencia o culpabilidad). Condenar es específicamente dictar una sentencia de culpabilidad e imponer una pena. En el lenguaje común se usan como sinónimos, pero en derecho hay una distinción.

No es lo más común. Si dices 'condeno esta película', suena como si la película fuera un crimen moral. Es mejor usar 'criticar', 'detestar' o simplemente 'no me gusta'. 'Condenar' se reserva para cosas mucho más graves.

Significa cerrarla de forma permanente, usualmente con ladrillos, madera o clavos, para que ya no se pueda abrir. Es un término común en construcción y reformas de casas antiguas.

Sí, mucho. Se refiere a la condenación eterna o al hecho de que un pecado 'condena' el alma. Es un uso muy tradicional y fuerte en la cultura hispana.

Se puede decir 'edificio condenado' (si va a ser demolido o es inhabitable) o 'edificio declarado en ruina'. También se usa 'edificio clausurado'.

Puede serlo. '¡Condenado!' puede significar '¡maldito!'. Sin embargo, a veces se usa de forma cariñosa o juguetona con niños ('¡Qué condenado eres!'), similar a 'rascal' en inglés.

Lleva 'a' cuando indicas la pena (condenar a muerte) o el destino (condenar al olvido). No lleva 'a' cuando el objeto es la acción que desapruebas (condenar el racismo).

En un juicio, es 'absolver'. En un sentido moral o personal, puede ser 'perdonar', 'elogiar' o 'aprobar'.

Sí, se usa para describir acciones que merecen ser condenadas. Por ejemplo: 'Su comportamiento es totalmente condenable'.

Es un verbo regular terminado en -ar. Yo condeno, tú condenas, él condena, nosotros condenamos, ellos condenan. En el pasado: yo condené, él condenó.

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