Punizione vs. castigo vs. pena
In Italian, 'punizione', 'castigo', and 'pena' all refer to forms of punishment, but they have subtle differences in usage and context.
Punizione
'Punizione' is a general term for punishment, often used in everyday situations or for minor offenses.
Il bambino ha ricevuto una punizione per aver rotto il vaso.
(The child received a punishment for breaking the vase.)
L'allenatore ha dato una punizione extra alla squadra per essere arrivata in ritardo.
(The coach gave extra punishment to the team for arriving late.)
Castigo
'Castigo' implies a more severe or formal punishment, often with a moral or educational purpose.
Il castigo per aver copiato all'esame è stata la sospensione.
(The punishment for cheating on the exam was suspension.)
I genitori hanno imposto un severo castigo al figlio per aver mentito.
(The parents imposed a severe punishment on their son for lying.)
Pena
'Pena' is typically used in legal contexts to refer to penalties or sentences for crimes.
Il giudice ha inflitto una pena di cinque anni di reclusione.
(The judge imposed a sentence of five years in prison.)
La pena per questo reato può arrivare fino a dieci anni di carcere.
(The penalty for this crime can be up to ten years in jail.)
Summary
While 'punizione' is used for general, everyday punishments, 'castigo' implies a more severe punishment often with a moral lesson, and 'pena' is primarily used in legal contexts for formal penalties or sentences.