no limpiar
/no limpjaɾ/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "do not clean" is no limpiar.
no limpiar is the infinitive form and is commonly used on signs or in written instructions, such as No limpiar con abrasivos (Do not clean with abrasives), where the subject is implied.
Which one should you use?
You may use specific imperative forms like no limpies or no limpie when addressing someone directly.
How does it change in a sentence?
When giving a direct command to a friend or child, you use the negative imperative no limpies. For a formal singular imperative used with a stranger or someone addressed with respect, use no limpie.
How do you pronounce it?
/no limpjaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb limpiar shares a common Latin root with the English word 'limpid', which describes liquid that is perfectly clear and transparent.
- While no limpiar is a command on a sign, saying it out loud as an infinitive can sound like a shared 'life hack' or a general tip.
- The word no is a direct descendant of the Latin nōn, making it an ancient way to negate a sentence that has remained almost unchanged for millennia.
Examples in context
- No limpie el área hasta que se realice la inspección final, por favor.Do not clean the area until the final inspection takes place, please.
- Déjame hacerte de comer, no limpies la cocina.Let me cook for you, don't clean the kitchen.
- No limpiar el espejo hoy.Do not clean the mirror today.
- Es mejor no limpiar esta parte.It is better not to clean this part.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are organizing the living room.
- SofíaAlejandro, no limpiar esa mesa ahora.Alejandro, do not clean that table now.
- Alejandro¿Por qué no debo limpiarla?Why should I not clean it?
- SofíaTodavía tiene pegamento fresco.It still has fresh glue.
- AlejandroEstá bien, no la tocaré.Okay, I won't touch it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries limpiar, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
