What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the past participle prohibido (prohibited) and the infinitive correr (to run).
Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on your setting. Use prohibido correr or No se permite correr for formal instructions or signs. For informal, direct commands, use No corras (don't run) or Para de correr (stop running).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Prohibido correr and No se permite correr are formal and standard for official signage. No corras and Para de correr are informal and used when speaking directly to someone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, you may see No correr used to convey the instruction "no running". In Mexico, the colloquial expression No andes corriendo can be used to mean "don't go around running".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used on signs, the masculine singular form prohibido is used as a fixed impersonal expression, even if the instruction applies to a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoibido koreɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the command ¡Corre! doesn't just mean 'run fast', but can be a blunt way to tell someone to 'get out' or 'leave'.
- The word correr is used for movements that have nothing to do with legs, such as 'running' a curtain across a window or 'running' a water tap.
- The word correr shares its DNA with the English word 'course', as both come from the Latin 'currere', meaning 'to run'.
Examples in context
- Prohibido correrRunning is prohibited
- No corras en la casa, podrías lastimarteDon't run in the house, you could get hurt
- No anden corriendo en los pasillosDon't run in the hallways
- Está prohibido correr en el museo.Running is prohibited in the museum.
- En este pasillo está prohibido correr.In this hallway, running is prohibited.
- Mira el cartel: está prohibido correr.Look at the sign: running is prohibited.
Example conversation
In a quiet library, a man is walking too fast.
- María¡Mateo, por favor, no vayas tan rápido!Mateo, please, don't go so fast!
- MateoLo siento, María, no quería molestar.I'm sorry, María, I didn't want to cause a disturbance.
- MaríaAquí está prohibido correr.Running is prohibited here.
- MateoTienes razón, caminaré despacio.You are right, I will walk slowly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries correr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
