estricto
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “estricto” mean in English?
strict — demanding or enforcing rigorous adherence to rules or standards
strict — demanding or enforcing rigorous adherence to rules or standards (protocolo estricto, norma estricta, sentido estricto)
Example sentences
El profesor es muy estricto con los plazos.
The teacher is very strict about deadlines.
Siguieron una dieta estricta durante el entrenamiento.
They followed a strict diet during training.
Las normas de seguridad son estrictas.
The safety rules are strict.
How to use it
'Estricto/a' means strict — rigorous in enforcing rules or standards. Used with ser. Common collocations: 'normas estrictas', 'dieta estricta', 'plazo estricto'. Distinguish from 'severo' (austere/harsh) and 'rígido' (inflexible/unable to bend).
Common mistake
Don't use 'estricto' for physical rigidity — for physical stiffness use 'rígido'; 'estricto' is about rule enforcement, not physical property.