permiten
per-MEE-ten
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Los nuevos sistemas permiten trabajar desde casa.
A2The new systems allow working from home.
Mis padres me permiten ir a la fiesta.
A1My parents allow me to go to the party.
¿Ustedes permiten perros en el hotel?
A2Do you (formal plural) allow dogs in the hotel?
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying the Subject
'Permiten' always refers to a plural subject (more than one person or thing) doing the action, such as 'ellos' (they), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you, formal plural).
Allowing an Action
When you allow someone to do something, 'permitir' is often followed by 'que' and then a special verb form (the subjunctive, like 'permita' or 'permitan'). Example: 'Ellos permiten que yo entre.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb form after 'permitir'
Mistake: "Mis padres me permiten que voy."
Correction: Mis padres me permiten ir. (When the subject of 'permitir' is the same as the subject of the second action, you can often skip 'que' and use the infinitive.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
'Permitir' and its forms like 'permiten' are slightly more formal than using 'dejar' (to let/leave), but both are acceptable in daily conversation.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: permiten
Question 1 of 2
Which subject correctly uses the verb form 'permiten'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'permiten' and 'permitan'?
'Permiten' is the regular present form used for facts and certainty (Indicative mood): 'They allow it.' 'Permitan' is the special form used for wishes, doubts, or indirect commands (Subjunctive mood): 'Espero que ellos permitan...' (I hope that they allow...).
Is 'permiten' formal or informal?
'Permiten' itself is neutral. However, if the subject is 'ustedes' (You, plural), the sentence is automatically formal, while if the subject is 'ellos' or 'ellas' (They), it is neutral.