permite
/pehr-MEE-teh/
allows
When someone "permite" something, it means they are allowing it, like a guard giving permission to pass through a gate.
permite(verb)
allows
?giving permission (he, she, it, or formal you)
,permits
?officially or legally
lets
?informal permission
,authorizes
?formal approval
📝 In Action
La tarjeta de crédito le permite pagar después.
A2The credit card allows him to pay later.
Mi horario me permite ir al gimnasio todos los días.
B1My schedule permits me to go to the gym every day.
¿El reglamento permite mascotas pequeñas en el edificio?
A2Does the regulation permit small pets in the building?
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Verb After 'Permitir'
When you say who or what is allowed to do something, the verb after 'permite' usually stays in the simple, unconjugated form (infinitive): 'La regla permite comer fuera' (The rule allows eating outside).
Formal vs. Informal
'Permitir' is slightly more formal than 'dejar' (to let/to leave). Use 'permite' when discussing official rules or when writing formally.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'to'
Mistake: "Me permite ir."
Correction: This is often translated as 'He allows me to go,' but English requires 'to.' Spanish does not need an extra preposition here.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Reflexive Pronouns
To say 'it allows itself' (or 'it is allowed'), use the reflexive form 'se permite'. For example, 'Aquí se permite acampar' (Camping is allowed here).
The word "permite" also means 'enables,' suggesting that something provides the ability, like strong wings enabling a bird to fly.
permite(verb)
enables
?provides the ability or capacity
,makes possible
?functional description
provides
?in the sense of providing an opportunity
📝 In Action
Este material permite reducir el consumo de energía.
B1This material enables the reduction of energy consumption.
La nueva carretera permite viajar a la costa en solo dos horas.
B2The new highway makes it possible to travel to the coast in only two hours.
💡 Grammar Points
Non-Human Subjects
In this sense, the subject of 'permite' is often a system, technology, or abstract concept (e.g., 'El software,' 'La luz,' 'La estructura') rather than a person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Permite' for Benefits
Use 'permite' when describing the positive capabilities or advantages of a tool or design, highlighting what it helps the user achieve.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: permite
Question 1 of 2
Which of these subjects CANNOT correctly use the verb form 'permite'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'permite' and 'deja'?
Both mean 'allows,' but 'permite' is generally used for rules, regulations, or formal contexts. 'Deja' is much more informal and common in casual requests or conversation (e.g., 'Mi mamá me deja ir' - My mom lets me go).
Does 'permite' always lead to the subjunctive?
No, often it is followed by the simple infinitive (unconjugated verb), especially when the subject of 'permite' and the subject of the action are the same: 'La ley permite circular' (The law allows driving). If there are two different subjects, you might use a special verb form (subjunctive), but this is less common with 'permitir' than with verbs like 'querer'.