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How to Say "permits" in Spanish

English → Spanish

permite

pehr-MEE-teh/peɾˈmite/

verbA2officially or legally
Use 'permite' (from the verb 'permitir') when you mean to allow, enable, or authorize something, often in an official or legal capacity.
A friendly guard in uniform stands beside a wide-open wooden gate, gesturing with an open hand for a small child to walk through, symbolizing permission being granted.

Examples

El nuevo software permite a los empleados trabajar desde casa.

The new software allows employees to work from home.

La tarjeta de crédito le permite pagar después.

The credit card allows him to pay later.

Mi horario me permite ir al gimnasio todos los días.

My schedule permits me to go to the gym every day.

¿El reglamento permite mascotas pequeñas en el edificio?

Does the regulation permit small pets in the building?

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.

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.

admite

/ad-MEE-teh//aðˈmite/

verbB1possibility or rules
Use 'admite' (from the verb 'admitir') when referring to allowing or accepting something, especially in terms of rules, entry, or inclusion.
A friendly usher opening a velvet rope to let a group of people into a theater.

Examples

Este restaurante no admite mascotas en el interior.

This restaurant does not allow pets inside.

Este club no admite a menores de edad.

This club does not allow minors.

La situación no admite más demoras.

The situation permits no further delays.

Capacity and Rules

Use 'admite' to describe what a rule or a space can handle or allow.

pases

PAH-ses/ˈpases/

nounA1Legal authorizations or entry permissions
Use 'pases' when you are referring to physical tickets, passes, or authorizations that grant entry or specific privileges.
Two simple cartoon soccer players on a field. One player is kicking a ball toward the other, symbolizing a series of successful 'passes.'

Examples

Necesito comprar pases de autobús para el fin de semana.

I need to buy bus passes for the weekend.

Necesito dos pases para el concierto de esta noche.

I need two tickets for tonight's concert.

Los jugadores hicieron muchos pases rápidos.

The players made many quick passes (in the game).

Hemos comprado abonos de diez pases para el metro.

We have bought ten-ride passes for the subway.

Plural Rule

The singular noun is 'pase' (ending in 'e'). To make it plural, you just add an 's' to the end: 'pases'.

Gender Consistency

Since 'pase' is a masculine noun, its plural 'pases' must always use masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., los pases, pases rápidos).

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse 'permite'/'admite' (verbs meaning to allow) with 'pases' (a noun for tickets or passes). Remember, if you're talking about the action of allowing, use a verb; if you're talking about the physical item granting access, use the noun 'pases'.

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