Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no entre | /no entɾe/ (from spelling rules) |
| entrada prohibida | /entɾada pɾoibida/ (from spelling rules) |
| prohibida la entrada | /pɾoibida la entɾada/ (from spelling rules) |
| acceso prohibido | /aɡθeso pɾoibido/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /aɡseso pɾoibido/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
The way you say "no entry" depends on whether you are giving a direct command or describing a restricted area. Entrada prohibida and prohibida la entrada are common for signs stating that entry is forbidden. Acceso prohibido focuses on the concept of access and is typically used for restricted areas like construction sites or private property. If you want to be formal and state that entry is not allowed, you can use No se permite la entrada or Prohibido el ingreso. For situations where visitors are not allowed, use No se admiten visitantes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase entrada prohibida is composed of the noun entrada (entry) and the adjective prohibida (forbidden).
Which one should you use?
No entre is a direct command addressed to a person, whereas entrada prohibida and prohibida la entrada are impersonal phrases used on signs to describe the status of a place.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase No se puede pasar is used to mean "you can't pass."
How does it change in a sentence?
No entre is the formal imperative (command) form of the verb entrar, used when addressing someone in a formal setting or with respect.
How do you pronounce it?
/no entɾe/
Did you know?
- In a culinary context, entrada refers to an appetizer or a starter course of a meal. It shares the same root as 'no entry' because it is the 'entry' to the meal.
- The verb in no entre comes from the Latin inter, which shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'between'.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, signs may use ingreso instead of entrada to make the restriction sound more official or legalistic.
Examples in context
- No se permite la entrada con comida o bebida.Entry with food or drinks is not allowed.
- No se admiten visitantes sin previo aviso.Visitors are not allowed without prior notice.
- ¡No puedes pasar! Está prohibido el paso para los curiosos.You can't pass! Entry is prohibited for the curious ones.
- Aquí está prohibido el paso, peligro de derrumbe.Entry is prohibited here, risk of collapse.
- No entre por esa puerta.Do not enter through that door.
- El guardia gritó: ¡no entre!The guard shouted: do not enter!
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are standing outside a restricted area in a building.
- Alejandro¿Podemos pasar por este pasillo?Can we go through this hallway?
- ElenaNo, el cartel dice que no entre.No, the sign says do not enter.
- Alejandro¿Está prohibido para todos?Is it forbidden for everyone?
- ElenaSí, es una zona privada.Yes, it is a private area.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no entry” 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 acceso, entrada, entre, la, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
