Don’t have to and simple prohibition

To say that something is not necessary, use non devi or the chunk non c’è bisogno di. For example: Domani non devi prendere l’ombrello or non c’è bisogno di un ombrello.

These two forms are similar, but not exactly the same. Non devi can mean “you don’t have to”. Non c’è bisogno di means “there is no need for”. Both are useful at A1.

For a simple prohibition with tu, Italian often uses non + infinitive: non entrare, non toccare, non andare. This is a fixed useful pattern.

In the house rule, you also see a simple negative form with a noun idea: Niente tromba dopo le 22:00. It means trumpet is not allowed then.

• Domani non devi lavorare.Tomorrow you don’t have to work.

• Non c’è bisogno di un ombrello oggi.There is no need for an umbrella today.

• Sofia, non correre!Sofia, don’t run!

• Marco, non suonare la tromba dopo mezzanotte!Marco, don’t play the trumpet after midnight!

• Oggi non c’è bisogno di andare al mercato.Today there is no need to go to the market.

• Non toccare il gatto adesso.Don’t touch the cat now.

• Lena, non devi portare quattro borse.Lena, you don’t have to carry four bags.

• Lukas, non c’è bisogno di correre.Lukas, there is no need to run.