veto
“veto” means “veto” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
veto
Also: ban, rejection
📝 In Action
El presidente tiene el poder de veto sobre la nueva ley.
B2The president has the power of veto over the new law.
Mis padres pusieron un veto a mi plan de ir a la fiesta.
B1My parents put a ban on my plan to go to the party.
El derecho de veto es fundamental en el Consejo de Seguridad.
C1The right of veto is fundamental in the Security Council.
I veto
Also: I ban
📝 In Action
Si el plan es ir al cine, yo lo veto; prefiero ir a cenar.
B1If the plan is to go to the movies, I veto it; I'd rather go to dinner.
Yo veto cualquier decisión que no sea unánime.
B2I block any decision that isn't unanimous.
Cada vez que propongo pizza, mi hermano dice: '¡Veto!'
A2Every time I suggest pizza, my brother says: 'I veto it!'
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: veto
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'The right to block a decision' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'veto', which literally means 'I forbid'. It was the formal word used by Roman tribunes to reject proposed laws.
First recorded: 17th century (modern legal sense)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'veto' only used in politics?
While it originated in politics (like a president blocking a law), in modern Spanish it can be used for any formal or authoritative ban, like a club banning a member or a parent forbidding an activity.
What is the difference between 'veto' and 'prohibición'?
'Veto' usually implies that a specific person or authority is using their power to stop something that was already proposed. 'Prohibición' is a general rule that something is not allowed.
Does 'veto' ever change to 'veta' for feminine subjects?
No. As a noun ('el veto'), it is always masculine. As a verb form ('yo veto'), it stays the same regardless of the gender of the person speaking.