no cortar el césped
/no koɾtaɾ el θesped/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no mow" can be expressed in Spanish as no cortar el césped.
Because "no mow" is a conceptual phrase rather than a single noun in Spanish, it is typically expressed as a verbal instruction or a descriptive phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase no cortar el césped is a literal translation of the instruction "not to cut the lawn".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the word pasto is used instead of césped to refer to grass, making the phrase no cortar el pasto.
How do you pronounce it?
/no koɾtaɾ el θesped/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, leaving a lawn uncut is associated with campo or rural aesthetics, which carries a different social connotation than the intentional environmental 'no mow' movement in English.
- The word cortar is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'curtail', as both originate from the Latin 'curtare' meaning 'to shorten'.
- While no cortar el césped is the full phrase, public signs often shorten this to Prohibido cortar, which uses a more authoritative tone meaning 'Cutting prohibited'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, absténgase de cortar el césped durante esta semana, ya que estamos realizando algunos trabajos de jardinería intensivos. Agradecemos su comprensión.Please refrain from mowing the lawn this week as we are undertaking intensive gardening work. We appreciate your understanding.
- He decidido no cortar el césped este verano.I have decided not to mow the lawn this summer.
- Es mejor no cortar el césped para ayudar a las abejas.It is better not to mow the lawn to help the bees.
- ¿Por qué elegiste no cortar el césped este mes?Why did you choose not to mow the lawn this month?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing their garden plan.
- ElenaDaniel, quiero intentar no cortar el césped este año.Daniel, I want to try not to mow the lawn this year.
- DanielMe parece una idea excelente, Elena.I think that is an excellent idea, Elena.
- ElenaAsí atraeremos más flores silvestres al jardín.That way we will attract more wildflowers to the garden.
- DanielEstoy de acuerdo, dejemos que crezca naturalmente.I agree, let's let it grow naturally.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cortar, césped, el, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
