Inklingo

How to Say "you let" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dejas

DEH-hahs/ˈdexas/

verbA2general
Use 'dejas' (present tense, informal 'tú' form) when you are talking about currently allowing or permitting someone to do something.
A child holding a wooden gate open to permit a friendly rabbit to pass through a fence.

Examples

¿Por qué le dejas usar tu coche?

Why do you let him use your car?

Nunca dejas que te ayuden.

You never let them help you.

Structure: Dejar + Infinitive

When 'dejar' means 'to let,' the next action verb stays in its basic form (the infinitive): 'Dejas correr' (You let run).

dejaste

deh-HAHS-tay/deˈxaste/

verbB1general
Use 'dejaste' (preterite tense, informal 'tú' form) when referring to a past action where you allowed 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'.

dejes

/DEH-hess//ˈdexes/

verbA2general
Use 'dejes' (present subjunctive, informal 'tú' form) after expressions of doubt, hope, or suggestion, often in negative constructions, implying a wish or fear about someone allowing something.
A person holding a small bag is stepping out of a brightly lit doorway onto a path, looking over their shoulder as they depart.

Examples

Espero que no me dejes solo.

I hope you don't leave me alone.

Quiero que dejes tus zapatos en la entrada.

I want you to leave your shoes at the entrance.

Dudo que me dejes conducir tu coche nuevo.

I doubt that you'll let me drive your new car.

The 'Wishing and Wanting' Verb Form

'Dejes' is a special form of 'dejar' used after phrases that express wishes, doubts, emotions, or suggestions. For example, after 'Quiero que...' (I want that...), you use 'dejes', not the usual 'dejas'.

Using 'dejas' instead of 'dejes'

Mistake: “Espero que me dejas un mensaje.”

Correction: Espero que me dejes un mensaje. After phrases like 'espero que' (I hope that), Spanish requires this special '-es' ending for '-ar' verbs when talking about 'tú'.

Present vs. Past Permission

The most common mistake is confusing 'dejas' (present) and 'dejaste' (past). Remember, 'dejas' is for what you are allowing *now*, while 'dejaste' is for something you allowed or failed to prevent *in the past*.

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