Inklingo
← Dictionary
A close-up illustration showing one hand extended, palm up, in a polite offering gesture toward a second, waiting hand.

permítame

pehr-MEE-tah-meh

Verb (Fixed Expression)A2compound imperative ir
Allow me?Polite request for permission,Permit me?Formal equivalent of 'let me'
Also:Excuse me?When interrupting or seeking attention,Just a moment?When needing time to think or retrieve something

Quick Reference

infinitivepermitir
gerundpermitiendo
past Participlepermitido

📝 In Action

Permítame presentarle a mi colega, la señora Pérez.

A2

Allow me to introduce you to my colleague, Mrs. Pérez.

Permítame, tengo una pregunta sobre el presupuesto.

A2

Excuse me (Allow me), I have a question about the budget.

Permítame revisar esa información antes de darle una respuesta.

B1

Just a moment (Allow me) to review that information before giving you an answer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • disculpe (excuse me (formal))
  • por favor (please)

Common Collocations

  • Permítame ayudarle – Allow me to help you (formal)
  • Permítame decirle algo – Allow me to tell you something

💡 Grammar Points

A Fused Command

This word is the command form of the verb 'permitir' (allow), combined with the small word 'me' (me). It is a single, polite unit.

Accent Mark Rule

The accent mark on the 'í' is crucial. It tells you where to put the stress when you say the word, keeping the emphasis on the verb part, even after adding the pronoun 'me'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Informal Command

Mistake: "Permite me (without the accent and separated)"

Correction: Permíteme (if speaking to a friend) or Permítame (if speaking formally). The pronoun 'me' must attach directly to the command.

⭐ Usage Tips

Choosing Formality

Use 'Permítame' when speaking to strangers, elders, or professionals (using Usted). Use 'Permíteme' when speaking to friends, children, or family (using Tú).

Interrupting Politely

If you need to interrupt a conversation, start with 'Permítame un momento' (Allow me a moment) or simply 'Permítame' to get the person's attention.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: permítame

Question 1 of 1

Which situation correctly uses the formal expression 'permítame'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'permítame' have an accent mark?

Spanish adds an accent mark to maintain the original stress of the verb when a small word (like 'me') is attached to the end of a command. The stress stays on the 'í' of 'permita'.

What is the difference between 'permítame' and 'permíteme'?

They mean the same thing ('allow me'), but 'permítame' uses the formal 'usted' command, while 'permíteme' uses the informal 'tú' command. Always use 'permítame' in professional settings.