hacer penitencia

to do penance

The Spanish phrase 'hacer penitencia' translates to 'to do penance' in English. This refers to the act of showing regret for a wrongdoing, usually in a religious context, by performing an action or series of actions determined by a spiritual guide or religious leader. In some cases, this could include prayer, confession, or acts of charity and service. The usage of this phrase is neither colloquial nor common, but highly specific to religious discussions or texts.

Example sentences using: hacer penitencia

Los pecadores deben hacer penitencia para buscar el perdón.

Sinners must do penance to seek forgiveness.

This sentence suggests that anyone who has sinned should perform acts of penance to seek forgiveness, a concept present in many religious beliefs.

Es posible que debamos hacer penitencia por nuestras malas acciones.

We might have to do penance for our bad actions.

In this context, the speaker implies that they and others may need to make amends or seek reconciliation for their misdeeds through some form of penance.

Hacer penitencia no siempre implica sufrimiento; también puede ser una reflexión interna.

Doing penance does not always involve suffering; it can also be an internal reflection.

Here, the sentence broadens the concept of penance from just a physical act or suffering to a mental or spiritual process of introspection and reflection.