Inklingo

How to Say "restricted" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atado

/ah-TAH-doh//aˈtaðo/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'atado' when someone feels unable to act or speak freely due to external circumstances or nervousness, often implying being 'tied up' or 'tongue-tied'.
A small, friendly mouse standing awkwardly, looking down at its feet with a slight blush on its cheeks, indicating shyness.

Examples

Cuando conoció a la jefa, se sintió muy atado y no dijo nada.

When he met the boss, he felt very tongue-tied and didn't say anything.

No puedo ayudarte con eso, estoy atado por el contrato.

I can't help you with that, I'm restricted by the contract.

Use with 'Estar'

This meaning almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary emotional state or a current restriction, not a permanent characteristic.

condicional

/kon-dee-syo-NAL//kon.di.sjoˈnal/

adjectiveB1
Choose 'condicional' when something is limited by specific rules, conditions, or requirements that must be met first.
A closed, wrapped gift box sits on a pedestal next to a large, bright red button. A dotted line connects the button to the box, visually representing that the box opening is conditional upon pressing the button.

Examples

La venta del coche es condicional a que yo encuentre un trabajo nuevo.

The sale of the car is conditional on me finding a new job.

El juez le concedió la libertad condicional después de diez años.

The judge granted him conditional release after ten years.

Tengo una oferta de trabajo condicional a pasar el examen médico.

I have a job offer conditional upon passing the medical exam.

Gender Agreement

Since 'condicional' ends in -al, it is the same form for masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'el acuerdo condicional,' 'la oferta condicional').

privado

pree-V AH -doh/pɾiˈβaðo/

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'privado' when someone has been deprived of something essential, like rights, freedom, or privileges, implying a loss or removal.
A small, droopy plant sitting in dry, cracked brown earth, indicating a lack of water.

Examples

Están privados de sus derechos básicos.

They are deprived of their basic rights.

El paciente se sintió privado de sueño durante días.

The patient felt deprived of sleep for days.

Always Needs 'de'

When 'privado' is used to mean 'deprived' or 'lacking,' it is always followed by the word 'de' (of/from) before mentioning the thing that is missing.

Action vs. State

This meaning uses the verb 'estar' (to be in a state of) much more often than 'ser' (to be inherently), because being 'deprived' is usually a temporary or resulting state.

Mistaking 'condicional' for 'atado'

Learners often confuse 'condicional' (conditional/limited by rules) with 'atado' (restricted in action/speech due to feeling). Remember that 'condicional' applies to situations with prerequisites, while 'atado' describes a personal feeling of constraint.

Related Translations

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