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How to Say "to allow" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to allow” is “dejar” — use this for everyday permission, like when parents give or deny permission to their children, or when someone simply permits an action to occur.

English → Spanish

dejar

de-HARdeˈxaɾ

VerbA2Informal
Use this for everyday permission, like when parents give or deny permission to their children, or when someone simply permits an action to occur.
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-TEERpeɾmiˈtiɾ

verbA1Formal
This is a more formal way to grant or deny permission, often used in professional or official contexts where consent is formally given or withheld.
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.

consentir

kon-sen-TEERkon.senˈtiɾ

verbB1Neutral
Use this when you are tolerating or accepting a specific behavior or action, often implying a mild disapproval or that you are allowing something you might not ideally want.
A parent smiling and nodding while opening a gate for a child on a bicycle.

Examples

No puedo consentir que llegues tarde todos los días.

I cannot allow you to arrive late every day.

Ella consintió en participar en el proyecto.

She agreed/consented to participate in the project.

El juez no consintió la evidencia.

The judge did not allow the evidence.

Using 'en' with Consentir

When you want to say 'to consent TO doing something,' you often need to use the word 'en' before the next action. For example: 'Consintió en venir' (He agreed to come).

Subjunctive Alert!

When 'consentir' means 'to allow someone else to do something,' the second verb in the sentence needs a special form (the subjunctive). Example: 'No consiento que VAYAS' (I don't allow you to go).

Don't forget the 'que'

Mistake: “No consiento tú ir.”

Correction: No consiento que vayas. You need the word 'que' to link the two parts of the sentence when there are two different people involved.

admitir

ahd-mee-TEERaðmiˈtiɾ

verbC1Formal
This means to accept something as true, valid, or possible, or to allow something to exist or happen, often in a more abstract or legal sense.
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.

Choosing Between 'Dejar' and 'Permitir'

Learners often confuse 'dejar' and 'permitir'. Remember that 'dejar' is more common in everyday, informal speech for simple permission, while 'permitir' is more formal and often used in official or professional settings.

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