Inklingo

How to Say "ban" in Spanish

English → Spanish

prohibición

nounB1formal
Use 'prohibición' for official or legal rules that forbid an action, like a ban on smoking in a building.

Examples

Existe una prohibición estricta de usar teléfonos móviles en la biblioteca.

There is a strict ban on using mobile phones in the library.

sanción

nounB1formal
Choose 'sanción' when 'ban' refers to a penalty or exclusion from an activity, often as a consequence of breaking a rule.

Examples

El jugador recibió una sanción de tres partidos por conducta antideportiva.

The player received a three-game ban for unsportsmanlike conduct.

veto

/BEH-toh//ˈbe.to/

nounB2formal
Use 'veto' for a specific type of ban where a person in authority refuses to approve something, like a presidential veto.
A hand pressing a large red button with a white X on it, stopping a process.

Examples

El consejo municipal impuso un veto a la construcción del nuevo centro comercial.

The city council imposed a ban (veto) on the construction of the new shopping center.

El presidente tiene el poder de veto sobre la nueva ley.

The president has the power of veto over the new law.

Mis padres pusieron un veto a mi plan de ir a la fiesta.

My parents put a ban on my plan to go to the party.

El derecho de veto es fundamental en el Consejo de Seguridad.

The right of veto is fundamental in the Security Council.

Always Masculine

The word 'veto' is masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un'. Even if you are talking about a woman's refusal, the word stays 'el veto'.

Nouns vs. Verbs

Don't confuse 'el veto' (the noun/object) with 'yo veto' (the action of blocking something right now).

Gender confusion

Mistake:La veto de la propuesta.

Correction: El veto de la propuesta. Nouns ending in -o are almost always masculine in Spanish.

Prohibición vs. Sanción

Learners often confuse 'prohibición' and 'sanción'. Remember that 'prohibición' is the rule itself (e.g., a ban on loud music), while 'sanción' is the punishment for breaking a rule (e.g., a fine or suspension).

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