prohibit

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 禁 has 13 strokes and concerns not allowing an action.
• Basic usage: 禁止 is read きんし, and 禁煙 is read きんえん.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• What is prohibited and where
  • 写真撮影は禁止されています means photography is prohibited.
  • 夜間の使用を禁止する means to prohibit use at night. 夜間 limits the prohibition to nighttime.
  • この建物の中はすべて禁煙です means smoking is prohibited throughout this building.