no colarse
/no kolaɾse/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "no cutting" is no colarse.
The infinitive form no colarse is used on signs or as a general rule to mean "no cutting in line".
What does it mean word for word?
The verb colarse literally means to squeeze oneself in or to sneak into a place/line.
Which one should you use?
While 'no cutting' in English refers to the act of skipping a queue, 'colarse' in Spanish can also mean to sneak into a party or a restricted area.
How does it change in a sentence?
When telling someone directly not to cut in line, you use the imperative form no te coles (informal) or no se cole (formal).
How do you pronounce it?
/no kolaɾse/
Did you know?
- Because colarse can mean 'to leak' or 'to seep', saying it in a different context might describe water escaping through a crack in a pipe.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, a person who cuts in line is jokingly called a colado, turning the action into a permanent identity for the duration of the wait.
- While no colarse is common, in some regions people use no saltarse la fila, which literally means 'do not jump the line'.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, pero sería amable que respetara la cola, por favor.Excuse me, but it would be kind if you respected the line, please.
- Perdone, pero no sería justo si se adelanta en la fila.Excuse me, but it wouldn't be fair if you cut in line.
- Le pido que respete la fila, por favor.I ask that you respect the line, please.
- No colarse en la fila es importante.Not cutting in line is important.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are waiting in a long line at a bakery.
- LucíaMira a ese hombre, intenta adelantarse.Look at that man, he's trying to jump ahead.
- JavierEs verdad, ¡no colarse!It's true, no cutting!
- LucíaDebería irse al final de la fila.He should go to the end of the line.
- JavierSí, todos estamos esperando nuestro turno.Yes, we are all waiting for our turn.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
