permiso
/per-MEE-soh/
permission
As a noun, permiso means "permission" or "authorization," often used when asking for or giving consent to an action.
permiso(Noun)
permission
?general authorization
leave
?time off from work
,authorization
?formal approval
📝 In Action
Mamá, ¿me das permiso para ir al cine?
A1Mom, will you give me permission to go to the movies?
No tienes permiso para entrar aquí.
A2You do not have permission to enter here.
Pedí un día de permiso en el trabajo para ir al médico.
B1I asked for a day of leave from work to go to the doctor.
💡 Grammar Points
Asking for Permission
To ask for permission to do something, a super common phrase is 'pedir permiso para' followed by the action. For example, 'Pido permiso para hablar' (I ask for permission to speak).
⭐ Usage Tips
A Polite Interruption: 'Con permiso'
The phrase 'con permiso' is a very polite way to say 'excuse me' when you need to get past someone or interrupt a conversation. It's a bit more formal than just saying 'permiso'.
Permiso can also mean "permit" or "license," referring to an official document, such as a work permit or a driver's license (permiso de conducir).
📝 In Action
¿Ya tienes tu permiso de conducir?
A2Do you have your driver's license yet?
Para trabajar aquí, necesitas un permiso de trabajo.
B1To work here, you need a work permit.
La construcción fue detenida porque no tenían el permiso necesario.
B2The construction was stopped because they didn't have the necessary permit.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Permit vs. License
Mistake: "Using 'permiso' for every type of license."
Correction: 'Permiso' is perfect for official documents like work or residency permits. For driving, both 'permiso de conducir' and 'licencia de conducir' are common. 'Licencia' can sometimes sound more official or be preferred in certain regions.
When used as an interjection, Permiso means "excuse me" or "pardon me," used politely when you need to get past someone.
permiso(Interjection)
excuse me
?when needing to pass by someone
pardon me
?to get attention politely before an action
📝 In Action
Permiso, ¿puedo pasar?
A1Excuse me, may I pass?
¡Permiso! El tren va a cerrar las puertas.
A2Excuse me! The train is about to close its doors.
Permiso, señora, se le cayó la cartera.
A2Pardon me, ma'am, you dropped your wallet.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use *Before* You Act: Permiso vs. Perdón
A great tip: say 'permiso' before you do something (like passing by someone). Say 'perdón' after you do something (like if you accidentally bump into them).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: permiso
Question 1 of 2
You need to get off a crowded bus. What is the most natural thing to say as you move towards the door?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'permiso', 'perdón', and 'disculpe'?
Great question! Use 'permiso' *before* you act (like passing someone). Use 'perdón' *after* you've done something wrong (like bumping into them). 'Disculpe' is a more formal way to say 'excuse me' to get someone's attention, similar to 'permiso'.
Is 'permiso' a verb?
While 'permiso' looks like the 'I' form of a verb, it is almost always used as a noun meaning 'permission' or 'permit'. The verb it comes from is 'permitir' (to permit). So, you would say 'Yo permito' for 'I permit', not 'Yo permiso'.