Inklingo

How to Say "to let" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dejar

/de-HAR//deˈxaɾ/

verbA2informal
Use 'dejar' when you mean to allow or permit someone to do something, often implying a lack of prohibition.
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/

verbA1informal
Use 'permitir' when you mean to formally or officially allow something, often in a context where permission is explicitly granted or denied.
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.

alquilar

al-kee-LAHR/alkiˈlaɾ/

verbA2UK term
Use 'alquilar' specifically when you are talking about renting out property, like a house, apartment, or room, to someone else.
A person standing next to a 'For Rent' sign shaped like a house, handing a key to a new tenant.

Examples

Mis padres alquilan una habitación a un estudiante.

My parents are renting out a room to a student.

The 'Se Alquila' sign

You will often see 'Se alquila' on balconies or windows. This is a common way to say 'For Rent' or 'This is being rented out'.

Confusing 'dejar' and 'permitir'

Learners often confuse 'dejar' and 'permitir' because both can mean 'to allow.' Remember that 'dejar' is more common for everyday permission (or lack thereof), while 'permitir' can sound more formal or official, though they overlap significantly in informal contexts.

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