Inklingo

How to Say "you allowed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dejaste

deh-HAHS-tay/deˈxaste/

VerbB1General
Use 'dejaste' when referring to a specific instance in the past where you gave permission or permitted something to happen.
A storybook illustration depicting a friendly adult holding open a wooden fence gate with an inviting gesture towards a waiting child, symbolizing giving permission.

Examples

¿Por qué dejaste que ese problema creciera tanto?

Why did you let that problem grow so much?

Le dijimos que no lo hiciera, pero tú lo dejaste.

We told him not to do it, but you allowed it.

¿Finalmente dejaste de fumar cuando te lo pedí?

Did you finally stop smoking when I asked you to?

Dejar + Que Structure

When using 'dejar' to mean 'allow,' you often follow it with 'que' and then the next verb in a special form called the subjunctive (e.g., 'dejaste que comiera').

Stopping Habits: Dejar de

To express that 'you quit' a habit in the past, always use the pattern 'dejaste de' plus the action (e.g., 'Dejaste de beber' = You quit drinking).

Allow vs. Cause

Mistake: “Confusing 'dejaste' (you allowed) with 'hiciste' or 'causaste' (you made it happen).”

Correction: Dejar implies permission or inaction. If you actively caused it, use 'hiciste' or 'obligaste'.

dejaras

deh-HAH-rahs/deˈxaɾas/

VerbB2General
Use 'dejaras' when expressing a past hope, desire, or a hypothetical situation where you wished someone had allowed something.
Two friendly figures standing near a small wooden gate. One figure holds the latch open, gesturing for the other to pass through, symbolizing allowance.

Examples

Esperaba que dejaras a tu hermano venir con nosotros.

I was hoping that you would let your brother come with us.

Si dejaras que el perro saliera, no estaría ladrando.

If you allowed the dog to go out, it wouldn't be barking.

Verbs of Influence

When the main verb expresses a desire or command in the past (like 'quería' or 'pedía'), the secondary verb (dejaras) must shift into the Subjunctive to show uncertainty or influence.

Direct translation of 'would'

Mistake: “Using the conditional tense ('dejarías') when permission is being requested or influenced by a past action.”

Correction: When one person influences another's action, use the Subjunctive: 'Te pedí que me dejaras salir' (I asked you to let me go out).

Past Simple vs. Past Subjunctive

The most common mistake is using the simple past ('dejaste') when the subjunctive mood ('dejaras') is needed for hypothetical situations or past wishes. Remember that 'dejaras' often implies a wish or a condition related to the past.

Related Translations

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