prohibirvsimpedir
/pro-ee-BEER/
/eem-peh-DEER/
💡 Quick Rule
Prohibir is about RULES. Impedir is about REALITY.
Think: PROHIBIR is a PROCLAMATION (a rule). IMPEDIR makes something IMPOSSIBLE (a barrier).
- Often, something that is 'prohibido' (forbidden) is the reason something else 'impide' (prevents) an action. For example, a law can prohibit something, and a guard can then prevent you from doing it.
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | prohibir | impedir | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rules vs. Obstacles | La escuela prohíbe los teléfonos. | La mala señal impide usar el teléfono. | Prohibir is the official rule. Impedir is the practical, physical barrier. |
| Personal Authority | Mi doctor me prohíbe comer sal. | Mi alergia me impide comer mariscos. | The doctor sets a rule (prohibir). The allergy is a physical condition that prevents it (impedir). |
| Access to a Place | El cartel prohíbe la entrada. | La puerta cerrada impide la entrada. | Prohibir is the written rule or warning. Impedir is the physical object stopping you. |
✅ When to Use "prohibir" / impedir
prohibir
To forbid, prohibit, or ban, usually by a rule, law, or authority.
/pro-ee-BEER/
Stating official rules or laws
La ley prohíbe fumar en los restaurantes.
The law prohibits smoking in restaurants.
Giving a direct command not to do something
Te prohíbo que uses mi coche.
I forbid you from using my car.
For signs and public notices
Se prohíbe el paso.
Entry is forbidden. / No trespassing.
impedir
To physically or logistically prevent, stop, hinder, or make something impossible.
/eem-peh-DEER/
Physical obstacles
La nieve impidió el tráfico.
The snow prevented the traffic.
Someone physically stopping an action
El guardia me impidió la entrada.
The guard prevented my entry.
Circumstances making something impossible
Una reunión de última hora me impidió llamarte.
A last-minute meeting prevented me from calling you.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "prohibir":
La señal prohíbe estacionar aquí.
The sign prohibits parking here.
With "impedir":
Otro coche me impide estacionar aquí.
Another car is preventing me from parking here.
The Difference: Prohibir refers to the official rule stated on the sign. Impedir refers to the physical object (the other car) making it impossible to park.
With "prohibir":
Mis padres me prohíben salir después de las 10.
My parents forbid me from going out after 10.
With "impedir":
La tormenta de nieve impide salir de casa.
The snowstorm prevents us from leaving the house.
The Difference: The parents' command is a 'prohibición' (a rule). The storm is an 'impedimento'—a physical barrier making it impossible.
With "prohibir":
La profesora prohíbe hablar durante el examen.
The teacher prohibits talking during the exam.
With "impedir":
El miedo me impide hablar en público.
Fear prevents me from speaking in public.
The Difference: The teacher sets a rule (prohibir). Fear is an internal state that acts as a barrier, making it difficult or impossible to speak (impedir).
🎨 Visual Comparison
'Prohibir' is the rule that says you CAN'T. 'Impedir' is the obstacle that means you CAN'T.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
La lluvia prohibió el partido.
La lluvia impidió el partido.
Rain can't make a rule. It's a physical condition that prevents the game from happening, so you must use 'impedir'.
El ruido me prohíbe concentrarme.
El ruido me impide concentrarme.
The noise isn't a rule-making authority. It's a circumstance that physically hinders your ability to concentrate, so 'impedir' is the correct choice.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Prohibir vs Impedir
Question 1 of 3
Which verb completes the sentence? 'La valla ___ el paso de los coches.' (The fence ___ the cars from passing.)
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use 'prohibir' and 'impedir' in the same sentence?
Yes, absolutely! This often clarifies the relationship between a rule and an action. For example: 'La ley prohíbe la venta de alcohol a menores, y el vendedor me impidió comprarlo pidiéndome mi identificación.' (The law prohibits selling alcohol to minors, and the cashier prevented me from buying it by asking for my ID).
Is 'impedir' always about a physical thing?
Not always. While it's often a physical barrier (a wall, a storm, a person), it can also be a logistical or emotional one. For example, 'La timidez me impide hacer amigos' (Shyness prevents me from making friends). The key is that it's a practical barrier to action, not a formal rule.