How to Say “Dos and Don’ts” in Spanish

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lo que se debe y no se debe hacer
/lo ke se debe i no se debe aθeɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dos and don'ts" is translated into Spanish as lo que se debe y no se debe hacer.
This phrase is used to describe a set of rules, guidelines or etiquette for a specific context. It refers to a collection of things that one should or should not do in a particular situation.
Meaning: set of things that one should do or not do in a particular situation (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is a literal construction meaning "that which one must and one must not do".

Which one should you use?

While lo que se debe y no se debe hacer is a descriptive way to express the concept, you can also use the more concise phrase reglas de oro, which means "golden rules", to refer to the essential dos and don'ts of a situation.

How does it change in a sentence?

The phrase uses the impersonal se to express a general rule or obligation that is applicable to anyone.

How do you pronounce it?

/lo ke se debe i no se debe aθeɾ/

Did you know?

  • In the first person, hacer changes to hago, a form that may have been influenced by the Latin agō, the root of the English word 'gesture'.
  • While reglas de oro is used for 'golden rules', Spanish speakers often use the word etiqueta to describe the social 'dos and don'ts' of a formal event.

Examples in context

  • Debo aprender lo que se debe y no se debe hacer en la oficina.
    I must learn the dos and don'ts in the office.
  • El manual explica lo que se debe y no se debe hacer.
    The manual explains the dos and don'ts.
  • No conozco lo que se debe y no se debe hacer en este país.
    I don't know the dos and don'ts in this country.

Example conversation

Mateo is giving Elena advice about her first day at a new job.

  1. Elena

    ¿Me podrías decir lo que se debe y no se debe hacer?
    Could you tell me the dos and don'ts?
  2. Mateo

    Claro, Elena, primero lee las reglas de la empresa.
    Sure, Elena, first read the company rules.
  3. Elena

    Gracias, Mateo, por ayudarme con esto.
    Thanks, Mateo, for helping me with this.
  4. Mateo

    De nada, sé que te irá muy bien.
    You're welcome, I know you will do very well.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacer, lo, no, que, se, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Jacqueline Jodie
Jacqueline JodieHelp 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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