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"Punish" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "castigar", and "tell off" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "regañar". Learn more about the difference between "punish" and "tell off" below.
punish(
puh
-
nihsh
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. castigar
They're going to punish him for a crime he didn't commit.Lo van a castigar por un crimen que no cometió.
b. sancionar (a company)
The government can't punish companies for practices that are technically legal.El gobierno no puede sancionar a empresas por prácticas que son técnicamente legales.
a. castigar
When you lift something heavy, bend your knees so you don't punish your back.Al levantar algo pesado, flexiona las rodillas para no castigar la espalda.
tell off(
tehl
af
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (colloquial) (to scold)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. regañar
Paco told off his friends for not inviting him to the movies.Paco regañó a sus amigos por no haberle invitado al cine.
b. retar (Southern Cone)
My mom told me off when I got home after midnight.Mi mamá me retó cuando llegúe a casa después de la medianoche.
