This is the 4292nd most frequent Spanish word.
penal
"Penal" in Spanish means "relating to punishment or the penal system."
In this context, 'penal' is an adjective describing 'institution', referring to facilities focusing on correctional activities related to criminal offenses.
La institución penal está dedicada a la rehabilitación de los internos.
The penal institution is dedicated to the rehabilitation of inmates.
In this sentence, 'penal' is used as an adjective describing 'code', referring to laws related to criminal offenses.
El código penal regula los delitos y sus sanciones.
The penal code regulates crimes and their penalties.
Here, 'penal' is used as a noun referring to a penalty kick in sports, specifically soccer.