How to Say "to permit" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to permit” is “permitir” — use 'permitir' when you mean to give formal authorization or not to allow something, often implying a degree of authority or control.
permitir
per-mee-TEERpeɾmiˈtiɾ
Examples
Mi padre no me permite salir hasta las once.
My father does not permit me to go out until eleven.
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.
autorizar
ow-toh-ree-sahrau̯toɾiˈsaɾ
Examples
El gobierno autorizó la construcción de un nuevo puente.
The government authorized the construction of a new bridge.
El director tiene que autorizar tu viaje de estudios.
The director has to authorize your study trip.
El banco todavía no ha autorizado la transferencia de dinero.
The bank has not authorized the money transfer yet.
Mis padres me autorizaron a salir hasta medianoche.
My parents authorized me to stay out until midnight.
The Z to C Spelling Change
When the letter 'z' is followed by the letter 'e', it changes to a 'c'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (autoricé) and throughout the special mood used for wishes/commands (subjunctive).
Using 'A' with People
When you authorize a person to do something, remember to put 'a' before the person: 'Autorizo a Juan'.
English Spelling Confusion
Mistake: “Yo authorizo el documento.”
Correction: Yo autorizo el documento. Spanish does not use 'th' for this sound; use 't' instead.
Missing the Connector
Mistake: “Me autorizaron ir al cine.”
Correction: Me autorizaron a ir al cine. Use 'a' between the verb 'autorizar' and the next action.
tolerar
toh-leh-RAHRtoleˈɾaɾ
Examples
Debemos tolerar las diferencias culturales.
We must tolerate cultural differences.
Es importante tolerar las opiniones de los demás.
It is important to tolerate the opinions of others.
Mi jefe no tolera que lleguemos tarde a las reuniones.
My boss does not tolerate us being late to meetings.
No puedo tolerar este calor tan intenso.
I cannot put up with this intense heat.
Tolerar vs. Soportar
While both can mean 'to put up with', 'tolerar' is more about respect and permission, whereas 'soportar' is often about physically carrying a weight or standing a feeling.
Using 'que' with tolerar
When you don't tolerate someone doing something, the word for the action changes: 'No tolero que tú hagas eso' (I don't tolerate you doing that).
Direct translation of 'can't stand'
Mistake: “No puedo estar a esta persona.”
Correction: No puedo tolerar a esta persona. (In Spanish, 'tolerar' or 'soportar' is used to express you can't stand someone.)
Permitir vs. Autorizar
Related Translations
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