Inklingo

How to Say "to allow" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dejar

/de-HAR//deˈxaɾ/

VerbA2Informal
Use 'dejar' when you mean to let someone do something or to not prevent them from doing it, often in informal contexts or when giving simple permission.
A smiling adult holding open a brightly colored gate, allowing a child to walk through into a sunny garden, symbolizing giving permission.

Examples

Mis padres no me dejan salir esta noche.

My parents won't let me go out tonight.

Déjame ver qué puedo hacer.

Let me see what I can do.

¿Puedes dejarme pasar, por favor?

Can you let me pass, please?

The 'dejar + action' pattern

When you want to say you 'let' someone do something, use this simple recipe: 'dejar' + the person + the action verb in its original '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form. For example: 'Ella me deja usar su coche' (She lets me use her car).

permitir

per-mee-TEER/peɾmiˈtiɾ/

VerbA1Neutral/Formal
Use 'permitir' when you mean to give formal consent or authorization for something to happen, often implying a more official or deliberate granting of permission.
A large, friendly hand holding a golden key, handing it to a smaller hand in front of a closed wooden gate, symbolizing formal permission.

Examples

Mi jefe no me permite trabajar desde casa.

My boss does not allow me to work from home.

La ley permite el uso de bicicletas en esta zona.

The law permits the use of bicycles in this area.

Permítame ayudarle con esas cajas pesadas.

Allow me to help you with those heavy boxes. (Formal)

Using the Subjunctive

When 'permitir' is followed by 'que' and a different person is performing the second action, you must use the special verb form (the subjunctive): 'Permito que hagas la tarea' (I allow you to do the homework).

Using the Infinitive

If the same person is doing both actions, you use the simple verb form (the infinitive): 'Me permito opinar' (I allow myself to give my opinion).

Mixing up 'Permitir' and 'Dejar'

Mistake: “Using 'dejar' in very formal contexts where 'permitir' sounds better.”

Correction: 'Permitir' is usually more formal or official than 'dejar'. Use 'Permitir' when referring to rules, laws, or formal consent.

admitir

ahd-mee-TEER/aðmiˈtiɾ/

VerbC1Formal
Use 'admitir' when you mean to accept or acknowledge that something is true or valid, or to tolerate a situation, often in more formal or legal contexts.
An adult giving a clear thumbs-up sign to a waiting child, illustrating the concept of granting permission or allowing something.

Examples

La ley no admite excepciones en este caso.

The law does not allow exceptions in this case.

El presupuesto no admite más gastos.

The budget cannot tolerate any more expenses.

Confusing 'dejar' and 'permitir'

Learners often confuse 'dejar' and 'permitir'. Remember that 'dejar' is more common for everyday permission, like letting a friend borrow a book. 'Permitir' is usually for more formal authorization, like a company policy allowing remote work.

Related Translations

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