What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
galera
Example
He was sent to the galera for his involvement in the robbery. [galera: noun]
Example
The police arrested the entire galera of suspects. [galera: group of people]
Example
I feel like I'm stuck in a galera with this job. [galera: metaphorical use]
jail
Example
He was sentenced to six months in jail for his crime. [jail: noun]
Example
The jail was overcrowded and in poor condition. [jail: specific facility]
Example
I feel like I'm in jail with all these restrictions on my freedom. [jail: metaphorical use]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jail is more commonly used than galera in everyday language, as it is used in English-speaking countries and beyond. Galera is less common and primarily used in Spanish-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between galera and jail?
Both galera and jail are associated with legal contexts and can be used in formal settings. However, jail is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while galera may be more informal and less commonly used in formal settings outside of Spanish-speaking countries.