Why is the infinitive used in some Spanish language signs? e.g. *No sonreír.* / *No saltar la valla.*

Question

Why is the infinitive used in these constructions or commands / imperativos?
How does using the infinitive change the meaning of the sentence?

No tener miedo a mirar.

Poner la mesa.

No entrar mojado o con arena.

Answer 1

It´s only a matter of space required. A sign saying "Smoking is not allowed" would be "No se permite fumar," which would require a larger sign than one with just "No fumar."

In cases of an irritated mother telling her daughter to set the table, rather than "Pon la mesa," she could say "A poner la mesa." This type of construction is also used in cases of emphatic decisions, ie: You decide to finally get going, so you say "¡A marchar pues!" (Similar to "vámonos")

• Good point about the "A + infinitive" construction! - mountaingirl Feb 8, 2012
• So "a poner la mesa" said to a familiar automatically carries irritation? - Jubilado Feb 8, 2012
• Nothing is automatic. It all depends upon nuance, context, and situation - JulianChivi Feb 9, 2012
• Ah, is this why I hear some people say, "?A comer?" instead of "?Vas a comer?" ? - xocoyote Feb 9, 2012

Answer 2

I tend to think of this as a more formal way of writing commands on public signs, or in recipes, as was just mentioned.

"No tocar" or "No pisar el pasto" are quite common.

I am not familiar with this form of a command being given when one person is actually talking to another, such as a parent looking at a child and saying "Poner la mesa" (except maybe "Juanito, es hora de poner la mesa" or something like that)

I will be interested to read what other people say.

Answer 3

other ways of making commands or requests

Infinitives as "impersonal" commands:

Answer 4

Infinitives are very commonly used as command forms, but mainly in writing. You will see them used in recipes, instructions, signs, etc. No change in meaning.

Answer 5

Actually, the reason is very simple. The infinitive is the pure, raw expression of a verb. It is not conjugated, therefore it is not applied to any tense or to any person in particular. It is a command and it indicates do not do --- right now, right here.

• Tiene mucho sentido. - pescador1 Feb 8, 2012
• Thanks man! - farallon7 Feb 8, 2012