Spanish Phrase
Si lo cancelas antes, te cobran penalizaciones.
Meaning
The sentence warns that if you cancel something ahead of the agreed time, the service provider will charge you penalties. It links a condition (cancelling early) with its consequence (being charged).
When to use
Use this phrase when explaining the terms of a contract, a hotel reservation, a subscription, or any service where an early cancellation incurs a fee.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Silocancelasantes,tecobranpenalizaciones.
Si + presente
The conjunction 'si' introduces a real condition and is followed by the present indicative.
Direct object pronoun 'lo'
'Lo' replaces a masculine singular noun (e.g., el contrato, la reserva) that is being cancelled.
Adverb of time 'antes'
'Antes' indicates that the action happens earlier than a reference point, here before the deadline.
Indirect object pronoun 'te'
'Te' marks the person who receives the action – the one who will be charged.
Verb agreement 'cobran'
The verb 'cobrar' is in third‑person plural because the subject is implicit (they/they company).
Noun 'penalizaciones'
Plural form is used because more than one type of fee may be applied; 'penalización' is a formal term.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedo cancelar mi reserva ahora?
Can I cancel my reservation now?
Si lo cancelas antes, te cobran penalizaciones.
If you cancel it early, they’ll charge you penalties.
✕Common Mistakes
Si lo cancela antes, te cobran penalizaciones.
The verb must agree with the subject 'tú' (you), so use 'cancelas' not 'cancela'.
Si lo cancelas antes, te cobras penalizaciones.
The subject is the company, not 'you', so the correct verb form is 'cobran'.
Si lo cancelas antes, te cobran penalización.
When referring to multiple possible fees, use the plural 'penalizaciones'.
↔Alternatives
Si lo anulas antes, tendrás que pagar una multa.
If you cancel it early, you’ll have to pay a fine.
Cancelar antes implica una sanción económica.
Cancelling early implies a financial sanction.
Si lo cancelas con antelación, se aplican cargos extra.
If you cancel it in advance, extra charges apply.
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries the word 'penalización' sounds formal and is common in contracts or legal documents. In everyday conversation people often say 'multa' or 'cargo extra'. Adjust the register depending on whether you’re speaking with a customer‑service agent (formal) or a friend (informal).