Prohibir Que: Expressing

This pattern works like a bridge between two people. You have the person who is the authority. Then you have the person who is being restricted. To connect these two, we use the word que. This little word acts like a glue. On one side of the glue, you have prohibir. On the other side, you have the action that is banned. Because you are trying to control someone else's behavior, the second verb must change. It moves from the regular world (Indicative) to the world of influence (Subjunctive). It is like a grammar traffic light. The first verb turns the light red for the second verb. Even if you are just an A1 learner, mastering this makes you sound much more natural. You are not just saying "No!" You are using a sophisticated structure to express authority.

1. 1To build this sentence, follow these four simple steps:
2. 2Start with the person giving the order. Conjugate prohibir in the Present Tense. For example: Yo prohíbo (I prohibit).
3. 3Add the magic word que. This is mandatory when you have a new subject.
4. 4Introduce the person who is being restricted. For example: tú (you).
5. 5Use the Subjunctive form of the action verb. To do this, take the yo form of the verb, drop the -o, and add the opposite ending. If it is an -AR verb, use -e. If it is an -ER/-IR verb, use -a.
6. 6Example: Yo + prohíbo + que + tú + fumes. (I prohibit that you smoke).

Use this pattern whenever there is a clear rule or a direct command to stop an action.

• In a job interview: A boss might say, Prohíbo que los empleados lleguen tarde.
• At home: A parent might say, Prohíbo que comas dulces antes de la cena.
• In public spaces: You might see signs or hear officials say, La ley prohíbe que la gente entre aquí.
• With friends: If you are sharing a secret, you could say, Prohíbo que se lo digas a nadie.

It is all about one person (or entity) exerting will over another. Yes, even native speakers sometimes find the Subjunctive tricky, but with prohibir, the rule is very consistent. If you see prohibir que, the Subjunctive is coming for dinner.

Do not use this pattern if there is only one person involved. If I am prohibiting myself from doing something (which is weird, but happens), I do not need que. I just use the infinitive. For example: Prohíbo fumar (I prohibit smoking). You also do not use the Subjunctive if you are just stating a fact without the word prohibir. If you say "You do not smoke," that is just Tú no fumas. The Subjunctive only appears because prohibir forces it to. Also, avoid using this for polite suggestions. This verb is strong. If you want to be gentle, use pedir (to ask) instead. Using prohibir at a party might make you lose some friends unless you are joking!

The biggest mistake is using the normal Present Tense (Indicative) after que.

• ✗ Prohíbo que tú hablas.
• ✓ Prohíbo que tú hables.

Another common slip-up is forgetting the accent on the 'í' in prohíbo, prohíbes, and prohíbe. Without that accent, the word sounds like a different language entirely. Also, many learners forget the que. You cannot say Prohíbo tú hables. The bridge must be there. Finally, do not confuse prohibir with permitir. They are opposites! It sounds obvious, but in the heat of a conversation, your brain might swap them. Imagine telling your boss you prohibit them from giving you a raise. That would be a very awkward Monday morning.

You might know No permitir que. This means "To not permit that." It is almost identical to prohibir que. Both require the Subjunctive.

• No permito que entres = Prohíbo que entres.

However, prohibir feels a bit more official and final. There is also the Imperative (commands). You could just say ¡No entres! (Don't enter!). This is shorter and more direct. Use prohibir que when you want to sound more formal or when you are explaining a specific rule. Think of the Imperative as a shout and prohibir que as a written rule in a handbook.