Skip to content

proibito

forbidden, prohibited

adjective proh-ee-BEE-toh Rare

Origin: From Latin 'prohibitus', past participle of 'prohibere' (to hold back, forbid).

Usage Note

Proibito functions as both an adjective (zona proibita, forbidden zone) and a past participle of proibire. It is used on signs and warnings — vietato is the more common official synonym on Italian signage (e.g., vietato fumare), while proibito is preferred in narrative and legal contexts. Feminine: proibita.

Examples

proibito fumare in questo edificio."

Natural Translation

Smoking is forbidden in this building.

Explore Italian by topic