Inklingo

How to Say "would allow" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dejaría

deh-hah-REE-ah/de.xaˈɾi.a/

verbB1granting permission
Use 'dejaría' when expressing that someone *would permit* or *consent to* an action, often implying a hypothetical or conditional granting of permission.
A smiling adult holding open a colorful wooden gate, gesturing for a small, excited puppy to run through into a grassy field.

Examples

Mi padre me dejaría ir a la fiesta si terminaba mis deberes.

My father would let me go to the party if I finished my homework.

Mi madre nunca dejaría que me fuera tan tarde.

My mother would never let me go out that late.

¿Tú dejarías a los niños jugar en la calle?

Would you let the children play in the street?

Using 'Dejar' with Actions

When 'dejar' means 'to let' or 'to allow,' the verb that follows it is usually in the infinitive (the base form, like 'comer' or 'ir').

Confusing 'Dejar' and 'Permitir'

Mistake: “Using 'permitiría' when 'dejaría' sounds more natural and conversational for everyday permissions.”

Correction: 'Dejar' is the casual, everyday way to say 'let.' Reserve 'permitir' for more formal rules or situations.

dejara

/deh-HAH-ra//deˈxaɾa/

verbB1conditional statement
Use 'dejara' when expressing a desire or wish that someone *would stop* doing something, often used in subjunctive clauses following verbs of influence or desire.
A storybook illustration showing a smiling adult opening a small wooden gate for a happy child who is now allowed to enter a sunny garden.

Examples

Ojalá mi hermano dejara de hacer tanto ruido.

I wish my brother would stop making so much noise.

Mi madre quería que yo dejara de comer dulces.

My mother wanted me to stop eating sweets.

Si el jefe me dejara ir temprano, terminaría el informe en casa.

If the boss would let me leave early, I would finish the report at home.

Era importante que usted dejara su opinión por escrito.

It was important that you leave your opinion in writing.

The 'Hypothetical Past' Mood

This form ('dejara') is the Imperfect Subjunctive. It's used when talking about past wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations that didn't happen, often after verbs of desire (querer), emotion, or necessity (era necesario que).

Two Forms for the Same Tense

Spanish has two standard forms for this tense: 'dejara' and 'dejase'. Both mean exactly the same thing, but 'dejara' is much more common in daily speech across most of Latin America and Spain.

Mixing Conditional and Subjunctive

Mistake: “Si me dejaría, iría. (Incorrect)”

Correction: Si me dejara, iría. (Correct). Remember, 'si' (if) clauses about unreal or hypothetical events in the past or present usually need 'dejara'.

Permission vs. Cessation

Learners often confuse 'dejaría' (would permit) with 'dejara' (would stop). Remember that 'dejaría' is about granting permission for an action to occur, while 'dejara' is about wishing for an action to cease or end.

Related Translations

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