Spanish Phrase
Respeta las normas de los asientos prioritarios.
Meaning
‘Respect the rules for priority seats.’ It is a polite but firm directive telling someone to follow the regulations that protect seats reserved for people with special needs, the elderly, pregnant women, etc.
When to use
Use this sentence on public transport, in theaters, stadiums, or any venue where seats are marked as ‘asientos prioritarios.’ It appears on signs, announcements, or can be spoken by staff or fellow passengers reminding others to keep those seats free.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Respetalasnormasdelosasientosprioritarios.
Imperative (tú) form
‘Respeta’ is the affirmative imperative of the verb *respetar* for the familiar ‘tú’ subject. It is used to give a direct command.
Definite articles (las, los)
Spanish uses gender‑ and number‑matching articles. *las* (feminine plural) modifies *normas*; *los* (masculine plural) modifies *asientos*.
Adjective after noun
With many nouns, especially when the adjective is descriptive rather than inherent, Spanish often places the adjective after the noun: *asientos prioritarios*.
Prepositional phrase ‘de los…’
The preposition *de* links the noun *normas* with the specific group they refer to: *de los asientos prioritarios*.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedo sentarme aquí?
Can I sit here?
No, son asientos prioritarios. Por favor, respeta las normas de los asientos prioritarios.
No, those are priority seats. Please respect the rules for priority seats.
✕Common Mistakes
Respetar las normas de los asientos prioritarios.
Missing the imperative ending; you need ‘Respeta’ to give a command.
Respeta la normas de los asientos prioritarios.
Article must agree in gender and number with *normas* (feminine plural).
Respeta las normas de los asientos prioritaria.
Adjective must agree with the masculine plural noun *asientos*.
↔Alternatives
Cumple con las reglas de los asientos reservados.
Comply with the rules for reserved seats.
Obedece las normas de los asientos para personas con prioridad.
Obey the rules for seats for priority persons.
Sigue las indicaciones de los asientos prioritarios.
Follow the instructions for priority seats.
Cultural Tip
In Spain and most Latin American countries, priority seats are protected by law. Ignoring them can result in a fine, and it is considered rude to refuse to give them up. When speaking to strangers, keep a neutral tone; the imperative form is common on signs and public announcements, but you can soften it with ‘por favor’ if you’re speaking directly.