Inklingo

How to Say "they allow" in Spanish

English → Spanish

permiten

per-MEE-tenpeɾˈmite̞n

VerbA1General
Use 'permiten' when referring to a group (people, things, systems) that generally permits or makes something possible, often in a more formal or objective sense.
Three cheerful adults stand beside a wooden gate, holding it wide open to allow a small, happy child to walk through.

Examples

Los nuevos sistemas permiten trabajar desde casa.

The new systems allow working from home.

Mis padres me permiten ir a la fiesta.

My parents allow me to go to the party.

¿Ustedes permiten perros en el hotel?

Do you (formal plural) allow dogs in the hotel?

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.'

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.)

dejen

DEH-hen (like 'day-hen')ˈde.xen

VerbB1General
Use 'dejen' when referring to specific individuals or a group who are giving permission for someone to do something, often implying a more direct act of allowing or letting someone.
A large, sturdy wooden door is standing wide open, revealing a bright, inviting path beyond, symbolizing allowance or permission.

Examples

Dejen a los niños jugar afuera un rato más.

Let the children play outside a little longer.

El guardia insiste en que no dejen pasar a nadie sin identificación.

The guard insists that they don't allow anyone to pass without ID.

Structure with Verbs

When 'dejen' means 'allow,' it is usually followed directly by another verb in its base form (infinitive): 'Dejen [verb]...'

General Permission vs. Enabling

Learners often confuse 'permiten' and 'dejen' by using 'permiten' for direct permission. Remember, 'permiten' usually describes a situation or system that *enables* something, while 'dejen' is about people actively *giving* permission.

Related Translations

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