vietato
/vjeˈta.to/
The English word "prohibited" is translated into Italian as vietato.
vietato is used to indicate that something is forbidden. In a formal context, you can use it to state prohibitions, such as those found on signs. To express that a specific action is prohibited, use the construction È vietato followed by an infinitive verb, such as È vietato parcheggiare.
Meaning: forbidden (adj)
Which one should you use?
While vietato is the standard term for prohibitions (like signs), proibito is a synonym that often carries a slightly more formal or legalistic tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, vietato must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It changes to vietata for feminine nouns, vietati for masculine plural nouns and vietate for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /vjeˈta.to/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word vietato comes from the verb vietare, which is a linguistic relative of the English word 'veto'.
- The phrase frutto proibito refers to the 'forbidden fruit' of the Garden of Eden, and is used metaphorically in Italian to describe any temptation that is alluring specifically because it is off-limits.
- Using vietato in a social setting, such as telling a friend 'it is prohibited to laugh', can sound jokingly dramatic or mock-authoritarian.
Examples in context
- È vietato parcheggiare qui.Parking is prohibited here.This sentence shows how to use vietato to prohibit a specific action like parking.Tatoeba #947838 by Guybrush88, translation #61622 by CK
- È vietato dare da mangiare ai piccioni.Feeding pigeons is prohibited.This sentence uses vietato to express that feeding pigeons is a prohibited act.Tatoeba #2395185 by Guybrush88, translation #1617801 by Spamster
- Allo stesso modo, è vietato il passaggio sui ponti.Likewise, passing is prohibited on bridges.This sentence demonstrates the use of vietato regarding prohibited passage on bridges.Tatoeba #10581446 by Guybrush88, translation #8900456 by AlanF_US
- Nell'area del museo è vietato fumare.Smoking is prohibited in the museum area.
- È proibito parcheggiare qui.Parking here is prohibited.
- È vietatissimo entrare senza permesso.It's absolutely prohibited to enter without permission.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are walking in a local park.
- GiuliaFrancesco, l'ingresso è vietato.Francesco, entry is forbidden.
- FrancescoAh, non lo sapevo.Ah, I didn't know that.
- GiuliaC'è un cartello proprio lì.There is a sign right there.
- FrancescoHai ragione, torniamo indietro.You're right, let's go back.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vietato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
