no abrir
/no abɾiɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "do not open" is translated into Spanish as no abrir.
No abrir is a way to express 'do not open.'
Which one should you use?
While no abrir is a standard instruction, you may encounter Prohibido Abrir, which is a forceful expression meaning "forbidden to open."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase no abrir uses the infinitive form abrir to express a general command or instruction. To say 'do not open it' using a formal command, you would use no lo abra or no la abra.
How do you pronounce it?
/no abɾiɾ/
Did you know?
- The word abrir shares a common Latin root with the rare English word 'apricate', which means to bask in the sun.
- A sign reading no abrir on a door in some Spanish-speaking countries is often used as a practical instruction to 'keep closed' for the sake of security or ventilation.
- In Spanish, using the infinitive abrir in a sign creates an impersonal command, which functions like the English 'No Smoking' rather than a direct order to a person.
Examples in context
- Atención: riesgo de descarga eléctrica. No abrir.Caution: risk of electric shock. Do not open.This sentence is useful for seeing how no abrir is used in a cautionary warning regarding electric shock.Tatoeba #1698934 by alexmarcelo, translation #1693194 by AlanF_US
- Por favor, no abrir el paquete hasta mi regreso.Please do not open the package until I return.
- Prohibido abrir bajo sanción legal.Forbidden to open under legal penalty.
- ¡No abras esa puerta, por favor! No puedo encontrar mis llaves.Don't open that door, please! I can't find my keys.
- Traje un regalo, pero no lo abras hasta tu cumpleaños.I brought a gift, but don't open it until your birthday.
- No abrir si tiene el sello roto.Do not open if the seal is broken.
- Es un paquete delicado, no abrir.It is a delicate package, do not open.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are in the office near a delivery.
- Javier¿Qué dice esa etiqueta roja?What does that red label say?
- LucíaDice: no abrir hasta mañana.It says: do not open until tomorrow.
- JavierEntendido, lo dejaré en la estantería.Understood, I will leave it on the shelf.
- LucíaGracias, Javier, por tener cuidado.Thank you, Javier, for being careful.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abrir, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
