Spanish · A2 · Family moment
Clear Rules Together in Spanish
In Spanish, distinguishing between a strict rule and an optional choice is key for setting boundaries. Use 'no debes' or 'no puedes' for things that are prohibited, and 'no tienes que' for things that are not necessary.
What you'll learn
- Express prohibition using 'no debes' and 'no puedes'.
- Express lack of necessity using 'no tienes que'.
- Communicate household rules clearly to children.
Spanish phrases for clear rules together
No debes compartir tu contraseña.
You must not share your password.
'No debes' indicates a strong moral obligation or rule.
No tienes que terminar el proyecto hoy.
You do not have to finish the project today.
'No tienes que' means it is not necessary, but you could if you wanted.
No puedes usar el móvil durante la cena.
You must not use your phone during dinner.
'No puedes' is very common for house rules (literally 'you cannot').
No tienes que apuntarte al club de fútbol.
You do not have to join the football club.
'Apuntarse' is used for joining or signing up for activities.
No debes coger la tableta de tu hermana sin preguntar.
You must not borrow your sister's tablet without asking.
'Coger' means to take/grab; in this context, it implies borrowing.
No tienes que sacar la basura esta noche.
You do not have to take out the rubbish tonight.
Use this to show a task is excused for now.
No puedes ir en bici por aquí.
You must not cycle here.
Used for situational rules or safety prohibitions.
No tienes que invitar a toda la clase.
You do not have to invite the whole class.
Clarifies that an action is not a requirement.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Contraseña
Password
Essential for digital safety discussions.
Móvil
Cell phone
Commonly used in Spain; 'celular' is used in Latin America.
Sacar la basura
To take out the trash
A common household chore.
Sin preguntar
Without asking
Important phrase for teaching boundaries.
Prohibition vs. Lack of Necessity
In English, 'must not' and 'don't have to' look similar but mean very different things. Spanish follows the same logic.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited (Must not) | No debes / No puedes + [Infinitive] | No puedes correr aquí. (You must not run here.) |
| Optional (Don't have to) | No tienes que + [Infinitive] | No tienes que comerlo todo. (You don't have to eat it all.) |
More examples
No tienes que lavar los platos ahora, pero no debes dejarlos en la mesa.
You don't have to wash the dishes now, but you must not leave them on the table.
Combines both lack of necessity and prohibition.
No puedes salir sin abrigo.
You must not go out without a coat.
A clear boundary for health and safety.