Question 1

Why does this warning use the infinitive No retirar instead of a command form like No retire?

Accepted Answer

Using the infinitive is the standard way to give impersonal instructions or warnings in writing, such as on signs, labels, or manuals. It doesn't target a specific person, but rather anyone reading it. If you were speaking directly to a specific person, you would use the standard imperative form: No retire la protección (formal) or No retires (informal).

Question 2

If I want to replace la protección with the pronoun la to say "Do not remove it", where does the pronoun go?

Accepted Answer

It attaches directly to the end of the infinitive, making it No retirarla. This often trips learners up because with conjugated negative commands, the pronoun goes before the verb (e.g., No la retire). However, with an infinitive, object pronouns always attach to the end, regardless of the No in front.

Question 3

Could I use quitar instead of retirar for "remove" in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, No quitar la protección means exactly the same thing. However, retirar sounds a bit more formal and technical, making it the most natural choice for a printed safety warning or an instruction manual.

Question 4

Does funcionamiento mean "operation" in the medical sense as well?

Accepted Answer

No, funcionamiento strictly refers to the mechanical or systematic operation of a machine, device, or organization (it comes from the verb funcionar, meaning to function or work). If you need to talk about a medical operation, you would use una operación or una cirugía.

No retirar la protección durante el funcionamiento.

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