no comer
/no komeɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no eating" can be translated into Spanish as no comer.
This phrase is used as a command or a rule to inform people that they are not allowed to eat in a specific area.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the negation no and the infinitive verb comer (to eat).
Which one should you use?
While no comer is used for signs, the more formal way to express a prohibition on signs is prohibido comer, which means "eating prohibited".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express a prohibition on signs, the phrase prohibido comer (eating prohibited) is a more formal alternative to no comer.
How do you pronounce it?
/no komeɾ/
Did you know?
- While comer means 'to eat', in some regions like Spain, the phrase estoy comiendo can specifically mean the person is eating their main meal of the day, not just consuming food.
- While no comer is common on signs, speaking this phrase directly to someone can be perceived as blunt or rude.
- The word no has two different origins, one of which is a contraction of the Latin word numero, meaning 'number'.
Examples in context
- No se permite comer dentro del auditorio, por favor.Eating is not allowed inside the auditorium, please.
- Oye, no comas en mi habitación, ¿vale?Hey, don't eat in my room, okay?
- Hay un cartel que dice no comer en la sala.There is a sign that says no eating in the room.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are entering a museum gallery.
- ElenaMateo, mira el cartel: no comer aquí.Mateo, look at the sign: no eating here.
- MateoOh, no lo vi. Guardaré mi manzana.Oh, I didn't see it. I'll put away my apple.
- ElenaEs mejor no comer cerca de las obras.It is better not to eat near the artworks.
- MateoTienes razón, Elena. Lo siento.You are right, Elena. I'm sorry.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comer, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
