How to Say “Not Allowed” in Spanish

Welcome! In this guide, we will explore different ways to express “not allowed” in Spanish. Whether you want to use a more formal or informal tone, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the various options, provide helpful tips, and offer plenty of examples along the way.

Formal Ways to Say “Not Allowed”

If you’re looking for a formal way to express “not allowed” in Spanish, here are some phrases you can use:

1. No está permitido: This phrase is widely understood and translates directly to “not allowed”. For example, “Smoking is not allowed in this area” would be “No está permitido fumar en esta zona.”
2. No se permite: Another formal expression meaning “not allowed” that is commonly used. For instance, “Photography is not allowed inside the museum” can be translated as “No se permite la fotografía dentro del museo.”
3. Prohibido: This word simply means “prohibited”. It can be used on its own or followed by the action or item that is not allowed. For example, “Eating is prohibited in the theater” would be “Prohibido comer en el teatro.”

Informal Ways to Say “Not Allowed”

When you want to adopt a more casual or friendly tone, consider using these informal expressions:

1. No puedes: This phrase translates to “you can’t”. For instance, if you want to say “You can’t enter without a ticket”, you would say “No puedes entrar sin un boleto.”
2. No te dejan: This expression is particularly useful when talking about someone not being allowed to do something. For example, to say “Your parents don’t let you go out late”, you would say “Tus padres no te dejan salir tarde.”
3. No se puede: Similar to “no puedes”, this phrase is a more general way to express “it’s not allowed”. For instance, if you want to say “Here, you can’t smoke”, you would say “Aquí no se puede fumar.”

Common Spanish Phrases for “Not Allowed”

Let’s explore some additional phrases and expressions that can come in handy when expressing “not allowed” in Spanish:

No está autorizado/a: This phrase means “not authorized”. It is often used in formal settings or when referring to permissions. Example: “Taking pictures is not authorized without permission” would be “No está autorizado/a tomar fotos sin permiso.”

No tienes permiso: This phrase directly translates to “you don’t have permission”. You can use it to say things like “You don’t have permission to use my phone” – “No tienes permiso para usar mi teléfono”.

No está reconocido/a: This phrase means “not recognized”. You might use it to express that something is not acknowledged or accepted. For example, “That method is not recognized here” would be “Ese método no está reconocido aquí”.

Está vetado/a: This expression means “it is banned” or “it is prohibited”. Use it to state that something is forbidden. For example, “Singing is banned in this area” would be “Está vetado cantar en esta zona”.

Regional Variations

Spanish is spoken in various countries, and while many phrases are generally understood, there can be some regional variations when expressing “not allowed”. Here are a few:

• No está permitido: This is the most common expression and is widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions. However, some countries may prefer other phrases, as mentioned below.
• No se admite: In some regions, especially in formal settings, you may come across this alternative meaning “not allowed” or “not admitted”.
• No se tolera: This expression, meaning “not tolerated”, might be used to convey “not allowed” in certain areas.

To ensure the best understanding, it’s always recommended to adapt to the regional variations present in the Spanish-speaking country you are in or communicating with.

I hope this guide has helped you expand your knowledge of different ways to say “not allowed” in Spanish. Remember to adjust the level of formality and tone you use based on the situation. Happy communicating!