How to Say “Don’t” in Spanish

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express negation in Spanish! In this article, we will explore various ways to say “don’t” in both formal and informal contexts. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding how to convey negation is essential for effective communication in Spanish.

Formal Ways to Say “Don’t”

When speaking formally, it is important to use the appropriate language to show respect. Here are three common ways to say “don’t” in formal Spanish:

1. No

The simplest and most universal way to express negation is by using the word “no.” This can be used in various contexts and is understood across different Spanish-speaking countries. Let’s see some examples:

Examples:

• No hable tan alto, por favor. (Don’t speak so loudly, please.)
• No llegues tarde a la reunión. (Don’t arrive late to the meeting.)
• No coma en la oficina. (Don’t eat in the office.)

2. No + Infinitive Verb

Another formal way to express negation is by using the word “no” in combination with the infinitive form of the verb. This construction is particularly useful when giving general instructions or advice. Take a look at these examples:

Examples:

• No fumar dentro del recinto. (Don’t smoke inside the premises.)
• No utilizar el teléfono durante el vuelo. (Don’t use your phone during the flight.)
• No olvidar llevar el pasaporte. (Don’t forget to bring your passport.)

3. No + Verb in Present Tense

Using the word “no” followed by a verb in the present tense allows you to give direct instructions or prohibitions in a formal manner. Here are some examples:

Examples:

• No beba alcohol mientras conduce. (Don’t drink alcohol while driving.)
• No hagas ruido en la biblioteca. (Don’t make noise in the library.)
• No caminen sobre el césped. (Don’t walk on the grass.)

Informal Ways to Say “Don’t”

When speaking informally, Spanish speakers tend to use different expressions and tones. Let’s explore three common ways to say “don’t” in an informal context:

1. No + Verb in Present Tense

Similar to the formal usage, you can use “no” followed by a verb in the present tense to express negation when speaking informally. However, the tone is more relaxed and suitable for conversations among friends or family. Let’s take a look:

Examples:

• No te preocupes, todo saldrá bien. (Don’t worry, everything will be fine.)
• No hagas eso, es peligroso. (Don’t do that, it’s dangerous.)
• No vengas tarde a la fiesta. (Don’t come late to the party.)

2. No + Infinitive Verb

Informally, you can also use “no” followed by the infinitive form of the verb to express negation, similar to the formal usage. This construction is more relaxed and commonly used among friends or when giving friendly advice. Here are some examples:

Examples:

• No fumar en este lugar, ¿vale? (Don’t smoke in this place, okay?)
• No usar el teléfono mientras conduces, ¿ok? (Don’t use the phone while driving, okay?)
• No preocuparse tanto por eso, está todo bien. (Don’t worry so much about it, everything is fine.)

3. Imperative Form of the Verb

Another common way to say “don’t” in an informal context is by using the imperative form of the verb. This form is commonly used when giving direct instructions or expressing prohibitions among friends or family members. Consider these examples:

Examples:

• No hables tan rápido. (Don’t speak so fast.)
• No comas eso, está pasado. (Don’t eat that, it’s expired.)
• No salgas de casa sin abrigo. (Don’t leave the house without a coat.)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our guide on how to say “don’t” in Spanish. You’ve learned various ways to express negation in both formal and informal contexts, enabling you to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking individuals. Remember to adapt your language based on the level of formality and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to. Practice these expressions, immerse yourself in the language, and soon you’ll feel confident using them naturally. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)