Understanding how to express prohibitions and permissions in Spanish often involves mastering the use of the subjunctive mood. This article explores several common structures that convey these meanings, focusing on some expressions. Additionally, we will cover the distinction between impersonal and personal constructions when using the subjunctive in these contexts. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to navigate prohibitions and permissions in Spanish, particularly when using the subjunctive mood.
How to Express Prohibitions and Permissions
We will explain how to use the subjunctive mood in Spanish to express prohibitions and permissions, covering phrases like
Se prohíbe que
One option is to use the following structure:
En esta zona, se prohíbe que monten en bicicleta.
Riding a bike is prohibited in this area.
Se prohíbe que fumen en las aulas de la universidad.
Smoking in the university classrooms is prohibited.
En algunos países, se prohíbe que los trabajadores hagan huelga.
In some countries, workers are prohibited from going on strike.
Se permite que
And we would use
En este parque, se permite que pisen el césped y jueguen al balón.
In this park, stepping on the grass and playing with the ball is allowed.
No se permite que los coches de empresa se utilicen para viajes privados.
Using company cars for private trips isn’t allowed.
Como este restaurante no vende alcohol, se permite que los clientes traigan su propia botella de vino.
Since they don’t sell any alcohol in this restaurant, customers are allowed to bring their own bottle of wine.
Está bien / mal visto que
We can also use the subjunctive with the expression
En algunos países, está mal visto que los hombres se saluden con un beso.
In some countries, it’s not socially acceptable for men to greet each other with a kiss.
Está bien visto que te asciendan en tu trabajo. Se considera una señal de éxito.
Getting promoted at work is socially acceptable. It’s considered to be a sign of success.
En ese país no está bien visto que la gente esté en paro por un tiempo demasiado prolongado.
In that country, being unemployed for a very long time is not socially acceptable.
Se sugiere que
Another useful expression is
Se sugiere que cuiden sus pertenencias.
It’s suggested that you take care of your belongings.
En las escuelas se sugiere que las niñas lleven su pelo recogido.
At schools it’s suggested that girls wear their hair up.
En esta empresa se sugiere que los empleados se jubilen antes de cumplir 60 años.
In this company, it’s suggested that employees retire before they turn 60.
Impersonal vs Personal Sentences
Notice that in all the examples we’ve used an impersonal subject, which is the most common way to express prohibitions and permissions. When there is a particular subject stated, it usually refers to an authority.
Se prohíbe a los empleados que coman en las oficinas.
Employees are prohibited from having lunch in their offices.
La jefa les prohíbe a sus empleados que coman en las oficinas.
The boss prohibits his employees from having lunch in their offices.
Durante este mes, no se permite que se compren dólares libremente.
During this month, it is not allowed to buy dollars freely.
Durante este mes, el gobierno no permite que se compren dólares libremente.
The government doesn’t allow people to buy dollars freely during this month.
Se permite que los adolescentes escuchen conversaciones de adultos.
Teenagers are allowed to listen to adult conversations.
Los padres permiten que sus hijos escuchen conversaciones de adultos.
Parents allow their children to listen to adult conversations.
Se sugiere a los turistas que no paseen solos de noche.
Tourists are recommended not to walk alone at night.
Los empleados del hotel sugieren a los turistas que no paseen solos de noche.
The hotel employees recommend that tourists do not walk alone at night.
Se sugiere que despidan a los empleados que estén próximos a jubilarse.
It is suggested that employees near retirement should be fired.
La gerente sugiere que despidan a los empleados que estén próximos a jubilarse.
The general manager suggests that employees near retirement should be fired.
Exercises
Here are some exercises to practice how to express prohibitions and permissions in Spanish with the subjunctive.