Vietare vs. proibire
Both vietare and proibire translate to to forbid or to prohibit in English. While they are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, vietare is typically associated with official rules, laws, and public signs, whereas proibire carries a stronger sense of personal authority, moral restriction, or a direct command imposed by an individual.
Vietare
The verb vietare means to forbid or to ban something through official rules, regulations, or laws, and it is the standard word used on public warning signs.
È vietato fumare all'interno dell'ospedale.
(Smoking is forbidden inside the hospital.)
La legge vieta l'uso del cellulare durante la guida.
(The law prohibits the use of a cell phone while driving.)
Il regolamento vieta di introdurre cani nel parco giochi.
(The regulation forbids bringing dogs into the playground.)
Il governo ha vietato la vendita di questo farmaco.
(The government banned the sale of this medicine.)
Un cartello vieta l'accesso ai non addetti ai lavori.
(A sign prohibits access to unauthorized personnel.)
Hanno vietato la sosta su entrambi i lati della strada.
(They forbade parking on both sides of the street.)
Proibire
The verb proibire means to forbid or to prohibit, but it emphasizes a direct command from a figure of authority like a parent, boss, or doctor, often carrying a stronger, more personal, or moral tone.
Mia madre mi ha proibito di uscire stasera.
(My mother forbade me from going out tonight.)
Il medico gli ha proibito di mangiare cibi troppo grassi.
(The doctor prohibited him from eating overly fatty foods.)
Ti proibisco di parlarmi con quel tono irrispettoso.
(I forbid you to speak to me with that disrespectful tone.)
La sua religione gli proibisce di bere alcolici.
(His religion forbids him from drinking alcohol.)
Il direttore ha proibito le pause lunghe durante il turno di lavoro.
(The manager prohibited long breaks during the work shift.)
Era proibito ascoltare quella stazione radio durante la guerra.
(It was forbidden to listen to that radio station during the war.)
Summary
In short, you should use vietare when referring to public signs, legal restrictions, and general regulations, and choose proibire when a specific figure of authority personally and directly commands someone not to do something.