no entrar
/no entɾaɾ/from spelling rules
To say 'keep out' in Spanish, you use no entrar. Wiktionary also lists quedarse afuera.
Meaning: to refrain from entering (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no entrar | /no entɾaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| quedarse afuera | /kedaɾse afweɾa/ (from spelling rules) |
The phrase no entrar is the standard phrase used on signs to indicate that an area is restricted.
Which one should you use?
no entrar is typically used as a command or a sign to prohibit entry, whereas quedarse afuera focuses on the state of remaining outside.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, No pasar and No ingresar are alternative for 'Keep Out' in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the context of a sign, no entrar uses the infinitive form to express a general prohibition.
How do you pronounce it?
/no entɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word afuera in quedarse afuera is a linguistic relative of the English word 'forum' because both originate from a root meaning an 'outdoor place'.
- The phrase no entrar uses an infinitive verb to create a command. In most Spanish contexts, infinitives are not commands, but on signage they act as a universal 'do not' rule.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you will see the sign Prohibido el paso instead of a literal 'keep out' to indicate that entry is strictly forbidden.
Examples in context
- No entrar.Keep out.Tatoeba #1181003 by marcelostockle, translation #325435 by CK
- Hay un cartel que dice no entrar.There is a sign that says keep out.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are standing in front of a closed private garden.
- LucíaMira, ese cartel dice no entrar.Look, that sign says keep out.
- Mateo¿Seguro? Queríamos ver las flores.Are you sure? We wanted to see the flowers.
- LucíaSí, Mateo, mejor no entres allí.Yes, Mateo, better not enter there.
- MateoEstá bien, nos quedaremos afuera.Alright, we will stay outside.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “keep out” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries afuera, entrar, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
