Inklingo

How to Say "permission" in Spanish

English → Spanish

permiso

/per-MEE-soh//peɾˈmiso/

nounA1general
Use 'permiso' for general, everyday requests for permission, especially in informal situations.
A small child receiving permission from an adult to open a colorful gate and enter a playground.

Examples

Mamá, ¿me das permiso para ir al cine?

Mom, will you give me permission to go to the movies?

No tienes permiso para entrar aquí.

You do not have permission to enter here.

Pedí un día de permiso en el trabajo para ir al médico.

I asked for a day of leave from work to go to the doctor.

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).

consentimiento

/kon-sen-tee-MYEN-toh//kon.sen.tiˈmjen.to/

nounB1general
Use 'consentimiento' when referring to formal agreement or assent, often from a parent or guardian, indicating approval.
Two distinct hands gently meeting in the center, palm-to-palm, symbolizing mutual agreement or consent.

Examples

Necesitas el consentimiento de tus padres para viajar.

You need your parents' consent to travel.

El médico obtuvo el consentimiento escrito del paciente antes de la cirugía.

The doctor obtained the patient's written consent before the surgery.

Su silencio no implica consentimiento.

His silence does not imply agreement/consent.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'consentimiento' is a masculine word, so it always uses 'el' or 'un' (el consentimiento, un consentimiento).

Using 'para' instead of 'de'

Mistake: “El consentimiento para la acción.”

Correction: El consentimiento de la acción. Use 'de' (of/for) to link the consent to the thing being agreed upon.

licencia

lee-SEN-syah/liˈθen.sja/

nounB1general
Use 'licencia' when referring to a formal authorization or grant to do something specific, like a permit or a license.
A large golden key turning in the lock of a simple wooden gate, symbolizing permission being granted.

Examples

El profesor dio licencia a los estudiantes para usar sus apuntes.

The professor gave the students permission to use their notes.

Con licencia poética, el escritor cambió la historia original.

Using poetic license, the writer changed the original story.

Formal Permission

While 'permiso' is the most common word for simple, everyday permission, 'licencia' often implies a more formal, official, or written authorization.

autorización

nounB2general
Use 'autorización' for official or formal permission, often in writing, for access or to perform an action in a specific context.

Examples

Necesitas una autorización por escrito para acceder a esa zona.

You need written authorization to access that area.

Permiso vs. Autorización

Learners often confuse 'permiso' and 'autorización'. Remember that 'permiso' is for everyday, informal requests, while 'autorización' implies a more formal, official, or documented grant of permission.

Related Translations

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