How to Say “Do Not Cut” in Spanish

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no cortar
/no koɾtaɾ/from spelling rules
The phrase "do not cut" in Spanish is translated as no cortar.
The phrase is an instruction or warning telling someone not to use a tool to slice or divide something. The infinitive form no cortar is commonly used for written signs, instructions or general warnings where a specific subject is not addressed.

Which one should you use?

While no cortar is used for general written instructions, other forms are used when addressing specific people directly. Use no cortes for an informal single person, no corte for a formal single person and no corten when giving a direct command to a group of people.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Spain, speakers might use no cortéis instead of no corte.

How does it change in a sentence?

When giving a direct command to a single person you know well, use the informal no cortes instead of the infinitive no cortar. For a single person in a formal context, use no corte instead of the infinitive. To give a direct command to a group of people, use no corten. The infinitive form no cortar functions as a general prohibition in written instructions.

How do you pronounce it?

/no koɾtaɾ/

Did you know?

  • In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying cortar can also refer to the process of milk spoiling or curdling.
  • While no cortar is a literal warning, Spanish speakers use cortar to describe ending a romantic relationship, similar to the English phrase 'cutting ties'.
  • The English word 'curtail', used when someone reduces or cuts short a process, shares the same linguistic ancestor as the Spanish cortar.

Examples in context

  • No corte la línea, por favor.
    Do not cut the line, please.
  • No corte el papel, es importante.
    Do not cut the paper, it's important.
  • No corte los cables, puede ser peligroso.
    Do not cut the cables, it can be dangerous.
  • No cortes el pasto aún.
    Do not cut the grass yet.
  • No cortes los hilos, los vamos a necesitar.
    Do not cut the threads, we will need them.
  • No cortes el pan, esperaremos.
    Do not cut the bread, we will wait.
  • No cortar el papel con estas tijeras.
    Do not cut the paper with these scissors.
  • Es mejor no cortar la carne todavía.
    It is better not to cut the meat yet.

Example conversation

Lucía and Alejandro are working on a craft project together.

  1. Lucía

    Alejandro, recuerda no cortar el cartón todavía.
    Alejandro, remember not to cut the cardboard yet.
  2. Alejandro

    ¿Por qué no debo cortarlo ahora?
    Why should I not cut it now?
  3. Lucía

    Primero tenemos que medir el tamaño.
    First we have to measure the size.
  4. Alejandro

    De acuerdo, no cortar hasta que midas.
    Alright, do not cut until you measure.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries cortar, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Sharon June
Sharon JuneHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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