Spanish Conversation · Level 45
75 words
Spanish word
regañar
Pronunciation
IPA/reɣaˈɲaɾ/
Meaning
- verbscold
Example
No le regañes por llegar tarde.
Don't scold him for being late.
More examples
Siempre regaña a su hijo cuando no hace la tarea.
He always scolds his son when he doesn't do his homework.
Core concept
A vocal chastisement addressed to a person for a fault.
Common phrases
regañar a alguien
scold someone
regañar por llegar tarde
scold for arriving late
regañar a un niño
scold a child
Similar words
reñir: Chides someone angrily with sharp words that criticize their behavior.
reprender: Delivers a stern, formal reprimand, usually from an authority figure.
amonestar: Gives a gentle verbal admonition to encourage better behavior.
reprochar: Voices criticism of someone's conduct to show disapproval.
Definition in Spanish
Reprender verbalmente a alguien por un fallo o mala conducta con la finalidad de que cambie su comportamiento.
Word origin
The verb originates from the noun regaño 'rebuke' and is attested in medieval Spanish as the source of the modern verb meaning to scold.
Usage tips
- Commonly used with a direct object and por to state the reason (regañar a alguien por algo), so expect the pattern 'regañar a alguien por + cause' in everyday speech.