Inklingo

How to Say "allowed" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “allowed” is “permitido” — use 'permitido' when describing something that is authorized or not forbidden, often in a formal context..

permitido🔊A2

Use 'permitido' when describing something that is authorized or not forbidden, often in a formal context.

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dejó🔊A2

Use 'dejó' (preterite of 'dejar') to indicate that someone gave permission or did not prevent an action in the past.

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permitióA2

Use 'permitió' (preterite of 'permitir') to state that someone or something authorized an action in the past.

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dejar🔊A2

Use 'dejado' (past participle of 'dejar') when forming perfect tenses to indicate something has been left or permitted.

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permitir🔊B1

Use 'permitido' as a past participle with 'haber' to form perfect tenses, signifying that permission has been granted.

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dejara🔊B1

Use 'dejara' (imperfect subjunctive) to express a past wish or a hypothetical situation where permission was given or something was left.

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English → Spanish

permitido

per-mee-TEE-doh/peɾ.miˈti.ðo/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'permitido' when describing something that is authorized or not forbidden, often in a formal context.
A simple red apple resting on a white table, positioned directly beneath a large, glowing green checkmark symbol, indicating authorization.

Examples

No está permitido fumar aquí.

Smoking is not allowed here.

Fumar no está permitido en este edificio.

Smoking is not allowed in this building.

Hay dos entradas permitidas para los estudiantes.

There are two permitted entrances for the students.

¿Es permitido traer mascotas pequeñas?

Is it allowed to bring small pets?

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'permitido' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. If the thing is masculine singular, use 'permitido'. If it's feminine plural, use 'permitidas'.

Using 'Estar'

You almost always use 'estar' (to be) with 'permitido' to state a rule or condition: 'Está permitido' (It is allowed).

Creating Perfect Tenses

When 'permitido' is used as a verb form, it is always paired with a form of 'haber' (to have) to describe actions completed in the past, like 'he permitido' (I have allowed).

Confusing 'Ser' and 'Estar'

Mistake: “Fumar es permitido.”

Correction: Fumar está permitido. (Use 'estar' because you are talking about the current status or rule, not an inherent quality.)

dejó

VerbA2General
Use 'dejó' (preterite of 'dejar') to indicate that someone gave permission or did not prevent an action in the past.

Examples

Mi papá me dejó ir a la fiesta.

My dad allowed me to go to the party.

permitió

VerbA2General
Use 'permitió' (preterite of 'permitir') to state that someone or something authorized an action in the past.

Examples

El profesor permitió la entrada tardía.

The professor allowed late entry.

dejar

VerbA2General
Use 'dejado' (past participle of 'dejar') when forming perfect tenses to indicate something has been left or permitted.

Examples

Has dejado la puerta abierta.

You have left the door open.

VerbB1General
Use 'permitido' as a past participle with 'haber' to form perfect tenses, signifying that permission has been granted.

Examples

Se ha permitido el uso de teléfonos.

The use of phones has been allowed.

dejara

/deh-HAH-ra//deˈxaɾa/

VerbB1General
Use 'dejara' (imperfect subjunctive) to express a past wish or a hypothetical situation where permission was given or something was left.
A storybook illustration showing a smiling adult opening a small wooden gate for a happy child who is now allowed to enter a sunny garden.

Examples

Quería que me dejara entrar.

I wanted him to let me in.

Mi madre quería que yo dejara de comer dulces.

My mother wanted me to stop eating sweets.

Si el jefe me dejara ir temprano, terminaría el informe en casa.

If the boss would let me leave early, I would finish the report at home.

Era importante que usted dejara su opinión por escrito.

It was important that you leave your opinion in writing.

The 'Hypothetical Past' Mood

This form ('dejara') is the Imperfect Subjunctive. It's used when talking about past wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations that didn't happen, often after verbs of desire (querer), emotion, or necessity (era necesario que).

Two Forms for the Same Tense

Spanish has two standard forms for this tense: 'dejara' and 'dejase'. Both mean exactly the same thing, but 'dejara' is much more common in daily speech across most of Latin America and Spain.

Mixing Conditional and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Si me dejaría, iría. (Incorrect)”

Correction: Si me dejara, iría. (Correct). Remember, 'si' (if) clauses about unreal or hypothetical events in the past or present usually need 'dejara'.

Dejar vs. Permitir

Many learners confuse 'dejar' and 'permitir' when translating 'to allow'. While both can mean to permit, 'permitir' is often more formal and directly translates to 'to permit' or 'to authorize'. 'Dejar' can also mean 'to let' or 'to leave', adding to the confusion. Stick to 'permitir' for official authorization and 'dejar' for more casual permission or 'to let'.

Related Translations

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