prohibido merodear
/pɾoibido meɾodeaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no loitering" is expressed in Spanish as prohibido merodear.
This phrase is used on signs to inform people that they are not allowed to stand or gather in a public area without a clear purpose.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective prohibido (prohibited) and the infinitive verb merodear (to loiter or to prowl).
Which one should you use?
While prohibido merodear is a direct way to express the prohibition, a common alternative seen on signs is prohibido permanecer en la zona, which means "staying in the area is prohibited". This version is often used to avoid the slightly more suspicious connotation associated with the word merodear.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the construction prohibido merodear, the adjective prohibido functions as a fixed signifier. This means it does not change its gender or number even if the implied subject is plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoibido meɾodeaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb merodear is etymologically linked to the French word maraud, which historically referred to a rogue or a thief. This gives the Spanish term a much more sinister, predatory undertone than the English 'to loiter'.
- The word merodear is used in Spanish literature to describe the movements of wolves or predators circling their prey.
- While a sign might say prohibido merodear, you would rarely use this in a conversation. Using the verb merodear to describe a person's behavior in spoken Spanish often implies they are acting like a suspicious prowler or a predator.
Examples in context
- Está prohibido merodear en la entrada.Loitering is prohibited at the entrance.
- El cartel dice: prohibido merodear.The sign says: no loitering.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are standing outside a store.
- MaríaAlejandro, mira el cartel. Dice prohibido merodear.Alejandro, look at the sign. It says no loitering.
- AlejandroNo lo había visto. ¿Nos vamos?I hadn't seen it. Shall we go?
- MaríaSí, es mejor no arriesgarse.Yes, it is better not to take the risk.
- AlejandroTienes razón, busquemos otro lugar.You are right, let's find another place.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries merodear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
