cumplir una pena
serving a sentence
The Spanish phrase 'cumplir una pena' translates to 'serving a sentence' in English. This can refer to the enforcement of a punishment usually given by the legal authorities, specifically spending a set amount of time in prison. The term 'cumplir' means 'to fulfill' or 'to carry out', and 'una pena' translates to 'a sentence' or 'a penalty'. Therefore, it conveys the act of enduring or carrying out a punishment as decreed by a court or other forms of judicial authority.
Example sentences using: cumplir una pena
Deberás cumplir una pena si quebras la ley.
You will have to serve a sentence if you break the law.
This sentence conveys the idea that there are penalties for breaking the law, expressed by the phrase 'cumplir una pena' which directly translates to 'serve a sentence'.
Juan ha estado tratando de reformarse después de cumplir una pena.
Juan has been trying to reform himself after serving a sentence.
The sentence showcases usage of 'cumplir una pena' while talking about a person's (Juan's in this case) efforts to reform himself after serving sentence. The sentence reinstates the fact that 'cumplir una pena' is used in reference to abiding by legal penalities.
El juicio concluyó con la decisión de que el acusado debería cumplir una pena.
The trial concluded with the decision that the defendant should serve a sentence.
This sentence uses 'cumplir una pena' to express the judgement or decision from a trial that the defendant has been sentenced. It communicates the fact that 'cumplir una pena' is used to convey execution of a legal punishment or penalty.