Spanish · A2 · Family moment
Rules and Choices in Spanish
Helping children understand boundaries involves two distinct concepts: things that are strictly forbidden (rules) and things that are optional (choices). In Spanish, we use 'no poder' for prohibition and 'no tener que' for things that are not necessary.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish between 'must not' and 'don't have to'.
- Learn vocabulary related to safety and daily routines.
- Practice using negative structures with 'poder' and 'tener que'.
Spanish phrases for rules and choices
No puedes cruzar la calle corriendo.
You must not run across the road.
Uses 'no puedes' to indicate a safety rule.
Hoy no tienes que cargar tu mochila pesada.
You do not have to carry your heavy school bag today.
Uses 'no tienes que' to show a lack of obligation.
No puedes montar en bici sin casco.
You must not ride your bike without a helmet.
'Sin casco' means 'without a helmet'.
No tienes que terminar los deberes antes de almorzar.
You do not have to finish your homework before lunch.
'Los deberes' is a common term for school homework.
No puedes gastar el dinero de tu amigo.
You must not spend your friend's pocket money.
'Gastar' is the verb for spending money.
No tienes que gastar todo tu dinero.
You do not have to spend all your pocket money.
'Tu dinero' is used here for pocket money/allowance.
No puedes jugar al fútbol en la cocina.
You must not play football in the kitchen.
A common household rule using prohibition.
Hoy no tienes que ir al entrenamiento de fútbol.
You do not have to go to football practice today.
'Entrenamiento' refers to practice or training sessions.
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
No puedes
You cannot / You must not
Used for rules and things that are forbidden.
No tienes que
You don't have to
Used for options or things that aren't required.
Casco
Helmet
Essential safety vocabulary.
Gastar
To spend
Usually refers to money or energy.
Prohibition vs. Choice
To tell a child they are not allowed to do something, use 'No puedes' + infinitive. To tell them something is optional, use 'No tienes que' + infinitive.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibition | No puedes + Verb | No puedes gritar (You must not shout). |
| Lack of necessity | No tienes que + Verb | No tienes que comerlo (You don't have to eat it). |
More examples
No puedes tocar el horno.
You must not touch the oven.
A strict safety rule.
No tienes que usar zapatos en casa.
You do not have to wear shoes in the house.
An optional choice/permission.