How to Say “Don’t” in Spanish
Introduction
When learning a new language, it is essential to understand how to express negation. In Spanish, the word “don’t” is commonly used to indicate the opposite or refusal of an action. However, the translation of “don’t” in Spanish varies depending on the context and verb tense. In this article, we will explore different ways to say “don’t” in Spanish, providing examples and explanations to help you grasp these concepts effectively.
1. No
The most straightforward and commonly used translation for “don’t” in Spanish is “no.” This word can be used in various situations, such as giving a negative response or expressing prohibition. Let’s look at some examples:
– Don’t touch that! – ¡No toques eso!
– Don’t worry about it. – No te preocupes por eso.
– Don’t go there. – No vayas allí.
2. No + Verb
To express “don’t” followed by a verb, you can simply use “no” before the verb. This construction emphasizes the negation of the action. Here are a few examples:
– Don’t eat that. – No comas eso.
– Don’t run! – ¡No corras!
– Don’t speak so loudly. – No hables tan alto.
3. No + Infinitive
When you want to use “don’t” followed by an infinitive verb, you can use the construction “no + infinitive.” This form is commonly used to express general prohibitions or advice. Consider these examples:
– Don’t forget to call me. – No olvides llamarme.
– Don’t be late. – No llegar tarde.
– Don’t drink and drive. – No beber y conducir.
4. Negative Imperative
In Spanish, the imperative form is used to give commands or orders. To say “don’t” in the imperative form, you need to use the negative imperative. This form is created by adding “no” before the verb in the imperative form. Let’s see some examples:
– Don’t open the door. – No abras la puerta.
– Don’t talk to strangers. – No hables con extraños.
– Don’t forget your passport. – No olvides tu pasaporte.
5. Verb + “no”
In some cases, “don’t” can be translated by placing “no” after the verb. This construction is commonly used when the verb is already negated by another word. Here are a few examples:
– I don’t want to go. – No quiero ir.
– He doesn’t like vegetables. – No le gustan las verduras.
– They don’t know how to swim. – No saben nadar.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “don’t” in Spanish is crucial for effective communication. Whether you use “no,” “no + verb,” “no + infinitive,” negative imperatives, or verb + “no,” understanding the different ways to express negation in Spanish will greatly enhance your language skills. Practice these forms in various contexts, and soon you’ll be able to confidently express “don’t” in Spanish conversations. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
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