permitirse
/peɾmiˈtiɾse/
To afford in Spanish is said as permitirse.
The phrase is used to express that one has enough money or enough time to be able to do or buy something.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb permitirse is a combination of permitir (to permit or allow) and the reflexive pronoun se (oneself), literally meaning to allow oneself.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say you can afford an action, use permitirse followed directly by the infinitive, such as permitirse comprar (to afford to buy). When you want to say you can afford a thing, the noun acts as the direct object of the reflexive verb, as in permitirse algo.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾmiˈtiɾse/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, when talking about financial capability, people bypass permitirse entirely and use the verb alcanzar, which means 'to reach'. For example, one might say 'el dinero no me alcanza' (the money doesn't reach me) to say they cannot afford something.
- While 'afford' is often a matter of budget, using permitirse can suggest a moral or social luxury, such as 'allowing' oneself a moment of weakness or a specific rest.
- The word inasequible is the standard term for 'unaffordable' in formal journalism and economics. It is used more frequently in these professional fields than the reflexive no poder permitirse.
Examples in context
- Tom no puede permitirse ambos.Tom can't afford both.This sentence shows how to use permitirse with a noun.Tatoeba #3939776 by cueyayotl, translation #2646462 by CK
- ¿Quién puede permitirse esto ahora?Who can afford this anymore?This sentence uses permitirse to ask a question about ability.Tatoeba #12974328 by Alejandr0, translation #4529784 by CK
- Su padre puede permitirse el darle una gran paga cada mes.Her father can afford to give her a big allowance every month.This sentence demonstrates using permitirse followed by an infinitive.Tatoeba #1704179 by teskmon, translation #309718 by CM
- No puedo pagar ese auto de lujoI can't afford that luxury car.
- Él tiene medios económicos para comprar una casaHe has the economic means to buy a house.
- No tengo suficiente dinero para permitirme unas vacaciones carasI don't have enough money to afford an expensive vacation.
- No tengo plata para salir a comerI don't have money to afford eating out.
- No tengo los recursos para comprar esa computadoraI don't have the resources to afford that computer.
- No puedo pagar las clases de piano.I can't afford piano lessons.
- Ellos tienen medios económicos para viajar al extranjero.They have the economic means to travel abroad.
- Mi hermana no tiene suficiente dinero para comprar una casa.My sister doesn't have enough money to afford a house.
- Ella no tiene los recursos para irse de vacaciones.She doesn't have the resources to afford going on vacation.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing buying a new car.
- ElenaMe encanta este coche, pero no puedo permitirse.I love this car, but I can't afford it.
- DanielEs muy caro, tienes razón.It's very expensive, you're right.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿tú crees que podrías permitirse comprarlo?Daniel, do you think you could afford to buy it?
- DanielNo, yo tampoco puedo permitirse ahora mismo.No, I can't afford it right now either.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry permitirse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
