When something is forbidden, it means you absolutely cannot do it. There are rules or laws against it, and if you do it, there might be problems.
For example, in many places, smoking is forbidden indoors. This means you are not allowed to smoke inside those buildings.
It's a strong word, suggesting that doing the forbidden thing would be wrong or would lead to punishment.
forbidden em 30 segundos
- not allowed
- prohibited
- banned
§ 'Forbidden' in everyday situations
The word 'forbidden' isn't just for ancient myths or strict old books. You'll hear and see it in many practical, real-world situations. Understanding where it pops up helps you use it correctly and grasp its meaning quickly.
§ At work
In a professional environment, 'forbidden' often relates to company policies, safety rules, or legal restrictions. It's about maintaining order, protecting information, or ensuring everyone's well-being.
- Common work contexts:
- Company policy: Many companies have strict rules about what employees can and cannot do.
- Safety regulations: Certain actions or areas might be dangerous.
- Data security: Handling sensitive information often comes with 'forbidden' actions.
Using company computers for personal business is forbidden by our employee handbook.
Entry to the server room without proper authorization is strictly forbidden.
§ At school
Schools use 'forbidden' to establish boundaries and maintain a safe, productive learning environment. This includes academic honesty, conduct, and safety.
- Common school contexts:
- Cheating: Academic dishonesty is universally forbidden.
- Bullying: Actions that harm others are strictly prohibited.
- Restricted areas: Certain parts of the school might be off-limits.
Copying answers during an exam is absolutely forbidden.
Running in the hallways is forbidden for safety reasons.
§ In the news and legal contexts
News reports often use 'forbidden' when discussing laws, international relations, or public safety. It highlights serious prohibitions with significant consequences.
- Common news/legal contexts:
- International law: Actions between countries can be forbidden by treaties.
- National laws: Certain activities are illegal.
- Environmental protection: Damaging natural habitats is often forbidden.
The trade of endangered species is forbidden by international agreements.
Parking in front of a fire hydrant is strictly forbidden by city ordinance.
§ In social and cultural norms
Sometimes, 'forbidden' isn't about laws, but about strong social customs or traditions. Breaking these norms can lead to social disapproval, even if it's not illegal.
- Common social contexts:
- Cultural taboos: Certain topics or actions might be considered offensive or inappropriate.
- Religious prohibitions: Many religions have forbidden foods, actions, or practices.
- Etiquette: While less strict, some social behaviors are strongly discouraged.
In some cultures, it is forbidden to wear shoes inside a temple.
For many, consuming certain foods during a religious fast is forbidden.
§ Using 'Forbidden' Incorrectly
Many English learners make small mistakes when using the word 'forbidden'. These errors can change the meaning of your sentence or make it sound unnatural. Let's look at the most common ones so you can avoid them.
§ Mistake 1: Using 'forbidden' with 'not'
'Forbidden' already means 'not allowed'. So, you should never use 'not' with 'forbidden'. It creates a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect and confusing.
- WRONG
- It is not forbidden to talk loudly here.
This sentence means the opposite of what you intend. If something is not forbidden, it means it *is* allowed. However, the structure is awkward and unnatural.
- RIGHT
- It is forbidden to talk loudly here.
Smoking is forbidden in this area.
§ Mistake 2: Using 'forbidden' as a verb
'Forbidden' is an adjective, meaning it describes a noun. It is the past participle of the verb 'forbid'. You cannot use 'forbidden' directly as a verb in a sentence. You need to use the verb 'forbid' in its correct tense.
- WRONG
- The sign forbidden parking here.
This is incorrect because 'forbidden' is an adjective, not a verb.
- RIGHT
- The sign forbids parking here.
My parents forbade me from staying out late.
§ Mistake 3: Overusing 'forbidden'
While 'forbidden' is a strong word, it's not always the best choice for every situation where something isn't allowed. Sometimes, simpler words like 'not allowed' or 'prohibited' are more natural, especially in less formal contexts.
- AWKWARD
- It is forbidden to use your phone in class.
While grammatically correct, 'forbidden' can sound overly formal for a typical classroom rule.
- BETTER
- Using your phone in class is not allowed.
Access to the staff room is restricted to employees only.
§ Mistake 4: Confusing 'forbidden' with 'taboo'
While both words relate to things that are not permitted, 'forbidden' usually refers to formal rules, laws, or explicit commands. 'Taboo' refers to social customs, traditions, or moral beliefs that make something unacceptable, often without a written rule.
Forbidden: Based on rules, laws, or direct orders.
Taboo: Based on social norms, culture, or unspoken beliefs.
- EXAMPLE 1 (FORBIDDEN)
- Parking on this street is strictly forbidden after 6 PM by city ordinance.
- EXAMPLE 2 (TABOO)
- In some cultures, it's considered taboo to discuss personal finances with strangers.
In many societies, talking about death casually is seen as a taboo subject.
§ Summary of Mistakes
To use 'forbidden' correctly:
Don't use 'not' with 'forbidden'.
Remember 'forbidden' is an adjective (past participle), not a verb. Use 'forbid' for the verb form.
Use 'forbidden' when there's a strong, often formal, prohibition. Otherwise, 'not allowed' or 'prohibited' might be better.
Understand the difference between 'forbidden' (rules/laws) and 'taboo' (social norms).
By avoiding these common errors, you'll sound more natural and communicate your message clearly when using 'forbidden'.
§ Understanding 'Forbidden' in Context
The word 'forbidden' carries a strong sense of prohibition, implying that something is not allowed due to rules, laws, or social taboos. It often suggests a significant consequence if the rule is broken. When you say something is forbidden, you're emphasizing a clear and often formal restriction.
In many cultures, certain foods are forbidden for religious reasons.
§ 'Forbidden' vs. 'Prohibited'
These two words are very close in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, 'prohibited' often sounds more formal and legalistic than 'forbidden.'
- Prohibited
- Usually refers to something banned by official rules, laws, or regulations. It’s a very direct and clear statement that something is not allowed.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in public buildings.
While you could say 'Smoking is strictly forbidden,' 'prohibited' feels a bit more common in formal signage or legal documents.
§ 'Forbidden' vs. 'Banned'
'Banned' is another close synonym. It implies that a formal decision has been made to prevent something from happening or existing. It’s often used when an authority (like a government, organization, or school) makes a decision.
- Banned
- To officially or legally prohibit something. It’s a very direct action.
The book was banned from schools because of its controversial content.
While the book could also be described as 'forbidden,' 'banned' emphasizes the official act of removing it from circulation.
§ 'Forbidden' vs. 'Unlawful' / 'Illegal'
These words specifically refer to breaking the law.
- Unlawful / Illegal
- Against the law. This is a very specific type of prohibition.
It is illegal to drive without a license.
While driving without a license is certainly 'forbidden' by law, 'illegal' or 'unlawful' are the most precise terms to use when referring to legal infractions.
§ 'Forbidden' vs. 'Not Allowed' / 'Not Permitted'
These are more general and softer ways to express prohibition. They don't carry the same weight or formality as 'forbidden.'
- Not Allowed / Not Permitted
- Simply means something is against the rules or a request, without necessarily implying severe consequences or a formal ban.
Children are not allowed in the staff room.
You could say 'Children are forbidden from the staff room,' but 'not allowed' is much more common and less dramatic for everyday rules.
§ When to Choose 'Forbidden'
Use 'forbidden' when:
- There's a strong cultural or religious taboo.
- You want to emphasize a serious, often unwritten, rule.
- There's a sense of mystique or even danger associated with the prohibition.
- You're talking about something that is generally considered wrong or unacceptable by a group or society, not just a specific law.
For example:
The ancient texts spoke of a forbidden love.
Here, 'forbidden' implies a powerful societal or moral disapproval rather than a legal ban.
How Formal Is It?
"Parking in this area is strictly prohibited."
"That is not allowed in this building."
"Leaving your trash in the hallway is just not on."
"Touching the hot stove is a big no-no."
"Smoking in public parks got banned, finally."
Curiosidade
The 'for-' prefix in 'forbid' means 'away' or 'against', emphasizing the act of holding something back.
Gramática essencial
Forbidden is usually followed by a 'to-infinitive' verb or a noun phrase.
Smoking is forbidden to enter the building. (Incorrect) Smoking is forbidden in the building. (Correct) It is forbidden to smoke in the building. (Correct)
When using 'forbidden' in a passive construction, the structure is 'Subject + be + forbidden + to-infinitive' or 'Subject + be + forbidden + from + -ing form' (less common but acceptable).
Guests are forbidden to use the private beach. Guests are forbidden from using the private beach.
Forbidden can be used with modal verbs like 'must not' or 'should not' to emphasize the prohibition.
You must not use your phone during the exam; it is strictly forbidden. Students should not bring food into the library; it's forbidden.
Forbidden is an adjective, so it modifies nouns or pronouns. Do not confuse it with the verb 'forbid'.
The forbidden fruit was tempting. (Adjective) The rules forbid talking during the lecture. (Verb)
When referring to a place where something is not allowed, you can use 'forbidden' with a preposition like 'in' or 'on'.
Entry is forbidden in this area. Parking is forbidden on this street.
Exemplos por nível
Smoking is forbidden inside the building.
Fumar está prohibido dentro del edificio.
Passive voice: 'is forbidden'
Eating in the library is strictly forbidden.
Comer en la biblioteca está estrictamente prohibido.
Adverb 'strictly' emphasizes the prohibition.
The forbidden fruit in the story represents temptation.
La fruta prohibida en la historia representa la tentación.
Used as an adjective before a noun.
It was a forbidden love, but they couldn't help themselves.
Era un amor prohibido, pero no pudieron evitarlo.
Describes the type of love.
Sharing answers during the exam is strictly forbidden.
Compartir respuestas durante el examen está estrictamente prohibido.
Present simple tense.
She felt a thrill doing something so forbidden.
Ella sintió una emoción al hacer algo tan prohibido.
Used after 'something' to describe it.
The sign clearly stated that entry was forbidden.
El cartel indicaba claramente que la entrada estaba prohibida.
Past simple tense.
In some cultures, certain foods are forbidden for religious reasons.
En algunas culturas, ciertos alimentos están prohibidos por razones religiosas.
Plural noun 'foods' with plural verb 'are forbidden'.
In many cultures, certain foods are absolutely forbidden during religious festivals.
В многих культурах некоторые продукты строго запрещены во время религиозных праздников.
Here, 'forbidden' is used as a predicate adjective after the verb 'are'.
The ancient scrolls contained knowledge that was long considered forbidden by the ruling council.
Древние свитки содержали знания, которые долгое время считались запретными правящим советом.
Used as an adjective modifying 'knowledge'.
She felt a forbidden attraction to the mysterious stranger, despite her better judgment.
Она чувствовала запретное влечение к таинственному незнакомцу, несмотря на здравый смысл.
'Forbidden' acts as an adjective before the noun 'attraction'.
Photography is strictly forbidden inside the museum to protect the delicate artifacts.
Фотография строго запрещена внутри музея, чтобы защитить хрупкие артефакты.
Used as a predicate adjective after 'is'.
He secretly indulged in forbidden sweets, knowing his doctor had advised against them.
Он тайно баловался запретными сладостями, зная, что его доктор советовал избегать их.
'Forbidden' describes the type of sweets.
The children were warned that playing near the old, abandoned factory was strictly forbidden.
Детей предупредили, что играть возле старой, заброшенной фабрики строго запрещено.
Used as a predicate adjective to describe the act of playing.
Entering the restricted area without authorization is forbidden and carries severe penalties.
Вход в ограниченную зону без разрешения запрещен и влечет за собой серьезные наказания.
'Forbidden' is a predicate adjective here, describing the action of entering.
The book explored forbidden topics that challenged conventional societal norms.
Книга исследовала запретные темы, которые бросали вызов традиционным общественным нормам.
Used as an adjective modifying 'topics'.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
It is forbidden to smoke here.
Está prohibido fumar aquí.
The use of mobile phones is strictly forbidden.
El uso de teléfonos móviles está estrictamente prohibido.
Eating and drinking are forbidden in the library.
Comer y beber están prohibidos en la biblioteca.
She felt a forbidden attraction to him.
Ella sintió una atracción prohibida hacia él.
Such actions are forbidden by law.
Tales acciones están prohibidas por la ley.
The area beyond the fence is forbidden to the public.
El área más allá de la valla está prohibida al público.
He entered the forbidden room.
Él entró en la habitación prohibida.
That kind of behavior is absolutely forbidden.
Ese tipo de comportamiento está absolutamente prohibido.
They were discussing forbidden topics.
Ellos estaban discutiendo temas prohibidos.
The forbidden city was once closed to outsiders.
La ciudad prohibida estuvo una vez cerrada a los forasteros.
Como usar
Forbidden is an adjective that means something is not allowed. It's strong and suggests there are serious reasons for the prohibition.
You often see it in official warnings or rules:
- "Smoking is forbidden in this area."
- "Access to unauthorized personnel is strictly forbidden."
It can also refer to things that are morally or culturally unacceptable:
- "In some cultures, certain foods are forbidden."
- "A forbidden love affair."
While similar to 'prohibited' or 'not allowed', 'forbidden' often carries a stronger sense of taboo or a deeper reason for the restriction.
Mistake 1: Using 'forbidden' as a verb.
You cannot 'forbid' something, that's the verb 'forbid'. 'Forbidden' is the past participle used as an adjective.
- Incorrect: "The sign forbiddens parking here."
- Correct: "The sign says parking is forbidden here."
- Correct: "The sign forbids parking here." (Using the verb 'forbid')
Mistake 2: Using 'forbidden' with 'not'.
'Forbidden' already means 'not allowed', so adding 'not' creates a double negative.
- Incorrect: "It's not forbidden to eat outside."
- Correct: "It's not allowed to eat outside."
- Correct: "Eating outside is permitted."
Mistake 3: Overusing 'forbidden' for minor restrictions.
'Forbidden' is quite strong. For less serious rules, 'not allowed' or 'prohibited' might be more natural.
- Awkward: "It's forbidden to chew gum in class." (Unless it's a very strict school)
- Better: "Chewing gum is not allowed in class."
Origem da palavra
Old French 'forbodeo'
Significado original: to prohibit, to forbid
LatinContexto cultural
In many cultures, certain foods, actions, or places are considered forbidden due to religious beliefs or ancient traditions. Breaking these taboos can lead to social ostracization or spiritual penalties. Understanding what is 'forbidden' in a culture is key to respecting its customs.
Teste-se 48 perguntas
It is ___ to play here.
Something 'forbidden' is not allowed.
The sign says '___ entry'.
If entry is 'forbidden', you cannot go in.
Smoking is ___ in this building.
Smoking is not allowed; it is 'forbidden'.
It's ___ to touch the art.
You are not allowed to touch the art; it is 'forbidden'.
Eating here is ___.
If eating is 'forbidden', you cannot eat there.
Parking is ___ on this street.
You cannot park on the street; it is 'forbidden'.
Write a short sentence about something that is not allowed at school.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Running in the hallways is forbidden at school.
Complete the sentence: In many places, it is forbidden to ___.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In many places, it is forbidden to smoke inside a building.
Imagine you are in a library. What is one thing that is forbidden there? Write a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
It is forbidden to talk loudly in the library.
What is forbidden in the park?
Read this passage:
In the park, there is a big sign. It says, 'Do not walk on the grass.' This means walking on the grass is forbidden. We must stay on the path.
What is forbidden in the park?
The passage says, 'Do not walk on the grass. This means walking on the grass is forbidden.'
The passage says, 'Do not walk on the grass. This means walking on the grass is forbidden.'
Why is touching the hot stove forbidden?
Read this passage:
My mom told me, 'Do not touch the hot stove.' If I touch it, I will get hurt. So, touching the hot stove is forbidden.
Why is touching the hot stove forbidden?
The passage states, 'If I touch it, I will get hurt. So, touching the hot stove is forbidden.'
The passage states, 'If I touch it, I will get hurt. So, touching the hot stove is forbidden.'
What does the sign at the museum say is forbidden?
Read this passage:
At the museum, there are many old and valuable things. A sign says, 'Do not take pictures.' So, taking pictures is forbidden in the museum.
What does the sign at the museum say is forbidden?
The passage says, 'A sign says, 'Do not take pictures.' So, taking pictures is forbidden in the museum.'
The passage says, 'A sign says, 'Do not take pictures.' So, taking pictures is forbidden in the museum.'
This sentence tells you that eating is not allowed in the library.
The signs clearly indicate that entry into this area is prohibited.
Talking during an exam is not allowed.
Which of these activities is often forbidden in public libraries?
Talking loudly on the phone is usually forbidden in libraries to maintain a quiet environment for everyone.
In many cultures, it is forbidden to disrespect your elders. What does 'disrespect' mean here?
Disrespecting elders means treating them without proper courtesy or rudely, which is often forbidden culturally.
If something is 'forbidden,' it means you are absolutely _________ to do it.
If something is forbidden, it means you are not permitted or allowed to do it.
Parking in a 'No Parking' zone is usually forbidden.
A 'No Parking' sign clearly indicates that parking in that area is forbidden.
It is usually forbidden to breathe in a public park.
Breathing is a natural human action and is not forbidden in a public park.
In many schools, using your phone during class time is forbidden.
Schools often have rules forbidding phone use during class to prevent distractions.
Which of these activities would most likely be considered 'forbidden' in a public park?
Something 'forbidden' is not allowed, often with clear rules. Feeding pigeons despite signs explicitly prohibiting it fits this definition.
In many cultures, certain topics are considered 'forbidden' to discuss in polite company. Which option best describes a 'forbidden' topic in this context?
A 'forbidden' topic in social settings implies a social taboo or a subject considered inappropriate to bring up, often out of respect for privacy or to avoid awkwardness. Personal finances or very private family matters often fall into this category.
If a government declares an area 'forbidden', what does that typically mean for the public?
When an area is declared 'forbidden', it means entry or access is not allowed, often for safety, security, or conservation reasons.
If something is 'forbidden', it means there are usually no consequences for doing it.
The definition of 'forbidden' often implies serious consequences or moral reasons for the restriction. Therefore, there are typically consequences for engaging in forbidden actions.
A 'forbidden' action is always against a written law.
While 'forbidden' can refer to laws, it also covers rules or social customs. Something can be forbidden by social etiquette without being a legal offense.
Speaking loudly in a library is generally considered a 'forbidden' behavior by social custom.
Speaking loudly in a library goes against established social etiquette and rules for maintaining a quiet environment, making it a 'forbidden' behavior in that context.
Imagine you are a tour guide explaining rules at an ancient temple. Write a short paragraph using 'forbidden' to describe something tourists cannot do. Explain why it's forbidden.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Welcome to the temple! Please be aware that touching the ancient carvings is strictly forbidden. These historical artifacts are fragile, and our goal is to preserve them for future generations. Also, photography with flash is forbidden inside the main sanctuary to maintain the sacred atmosphere and protect the delicate artworks from light damage.
You are writing a notice for a public park. Use 'forbidden' to inform visitors about one activity that is not allowed. Explain the reason in one sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
NOTICE: Feeding the wildlife in this park is strictly forbidden. This is to ensure the animals' health and prevent them from becoming dependent on human food, which can be harmful to their natural diet and behavior.
Describe a scenario where a certain action is forbidden due to ethical considerations. Use 'forbidden' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In many professional fields, sharing confidential client information with unauthorized individuals is strictly forbidden. This rule exists due to ethical considerations regarding privacy and trust, as revealing such details could have serious negative consequences for the clients and damage the professional's reputation.
What is the primary reason why pointing with a finger might be forbidden in some cultures?
Read this passage:
In some cultures, it is considered forbidden to point with your finger directly at someone. Instead, people might use a slight nod of the head or a gentle hand gesture to indicate direction or draw attention. This cultural norm is often rooted in beliefs about respect and politeness.
What is the primary reason why pointing with a finger might be forbidden in some cultures?
The passage states that the norm is 'often rooted in beliefs about respect and politeness,' indicating that impoliteness and disrespect are the primary reasons.
The passage states that the norm is 'often rooted in beliefs about respect and politeness,' indicating that impoliteness and disrespect are the primary reasons.
What is the consequence of entering a forbidden restricted area in a national park?
Read this passage:
Access to certain restricted areas within a national park is strictly forbidden to protect fragile ecosystems. These areas may contain rare plant species or serve as crucial breeding grounds for endangered animals. Violating these rules can lead to significant fines and penalties.
What is the consequence of entering a forbidden restricted area in a national park?
The passage explicitly states, 'Violating these rules can lead to significant fines and penalties.'
The passage explicitly states, 'Violating these rules can lead to significant fines and penalties.'
What is the main purpose of forbidding mobile phones during class?
Read this passage:
In many schools, the use of mobile phones during class time is strictly forbidden. This policy is implemented to minimize distractions, encourage student focus, and ensure a conducive learning environment. Students are typically required to keep their phones switched off or put away in their bags.
What is the main purpose of forbidding mobile phones during class?
The passage states the policy is implemented 'to minimize distractions, encourage student focus, and ensure a conducive learning environment.'
The passage states the policy is implemented 'to minimize distractions, encourage student focus, and ensure a conducive learning environment.'
The sentence describes a restricted area where permission is required for entry.
This sentence indicates a subject that was not allowed to be discussed during dinner.
The sentence clearly states that smoking is prohibited in public buildings due to legal regulations.
In many ancient cultures, certain foods were considered _______ due to religious beliefs.
The word 'forbidden' fits best as it implies a prohibition based on religious beliefs, which aligns with the context of 'ancient cultures' and 'religious beliefs'.
Access to the highest levels of the government building is _______ without proper authorization.
'Forbidden' indicates that access is strictly prohibited without the necessary authorization, which is a common security measure for government buildings.
The children were warned that playing near the construction site was _______ due to safety risks.
Given the 'safety risks', it is logical that playing near a construction site would be 'forbidden' to prevent accidents.
In a library, it is generally forbidden to make loud noises.
Libraries typically have rules against loud noises to maintain a quiet environment for study and reading.
A forbidden act is always punishable by law.
While many forbidden acts are illegal, some are forbidden by social customs or specific rules (e.g., in a workplace) and may not carry legal penalties.
If something is forbidden, it means it is highly encouraged.
The word 'forbidden' means the exact opposite of 'highly encouraged'; it means something is strictly prohibited.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Something forbidden is strictly not allowed, often due to rules, laws, or moral reasons.
- not allowed
- prohibited
- banned
