prohibido escupir
/pɾoibido eskupiɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'no spitting' is translated into Spanish as prohibido escupir.
prohibido escupir is used as a notice or sign to inform people that spitting is not allowed in a specific area. You will typically see this on official signage in public spaces such as stations, parks or buildings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'forbidden to spit'.
Which one should you use?
While prohibido escupir is a standard way to express this, the shorter phrase no escupir is also commonly used on signs to convey the same meaning.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoibido eskupiɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb escupir shares a common ancestor with the English word 'cuspidor', which refers to a spittoon.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase escupir is used metaphorically in the expression escupir fuego, which means to be extremely angry.
- The Spanish language has a distinct word, escupitajo, to describe a single act of spitting, whereas English typically requires a phrase like 'a spit' or 'a glob of spit'.
Examples in context
- No escupir, por favor.Please do not spit.
- Le ruego que no escupa.I kindly request that you do not spit.
- Evite escupir en este lugar, por favor.Please refrain from spitting in this area.
- No escupas, por favor.Please don't spit.
- No escupitajos, por favor.Please refrain from spitting.
- Está prohibido escupir en el parque.Spitting is prohibited in the park.
- Hay un cartel que dice prohibido escupir.There is a sign that says no spitting.
- En este museo está prohibido escupir.In this museum, spitting is prohibited.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are walking through a public building.
- LucíaMira el cartel, Alejandro.Look at the sign, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Qué dice?What does it say?
- LucíaDice que está prohibido escupir.It says that spitting is prohibited.
- AlejandroTienes razón, es una regla común.You are right, it is a common rule.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escupir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
