Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dejar | /deˈxaɾ/ |
| permitir | /peɾmiˈtiɾ/ |
The verb 'let' can be expressed in several ways depending on the context. You can use permitir to convey the meaning of 'let' in a general sense. When you want to say 'let's' followed by a verb, you can use the expression vamos a. To say 'let me' informally, you use Déjame.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean to allow, permitir is more formal than dejar and is typically used in official or authoritative contexts. In formal situations, you might also use the phrase permita que to mean 'let' or deje que to ask someone politely to let you do something in a professional setting.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈxaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that dejar can mean both 'to let/allow' and 'to leave' (such as leaving a place or leaving an object behind). Do not confuse these two meanings when translating.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word dejar is actually a linguistic relative of the English words 'lax' and 'laxative'. Both stem from the Latin 'laxare', which means to loosen or make slack.
Examples in context
- Dejaré ir a Tom.I'll let Tom go.This sentence shows how to use dejar to express letting someone go.Tatoeba #2817639 by marcelostockle, translation #2549524 by CK
- No te dejaré ir.I won't let you leave.This sentence demonstrates a negative use of dejar to mean not letting someone leave.Tatoeba #3389881 by marcelostockle, translation #2276468 by CK
- Te voy a dejar ir.I'm going to let you go.This sentence uses dejar to express an intention to let someone go.Tatoeba #5022809 by don_ramon, translation #5014339 by CM
- Permita que le explique los detalles del proyecto.Let me explain the project details to you.
- Deje que le muestre las opciones disponibles.Let me show you the available options.
- Deja que te ayude con ese problema.Let me help you with that issue.
- Permíteme que te explique cómo funciona el juego.Let me explain to you how the game works.
- ¡Déjame intentarlo!Let me give it a try!
- Vamos a bailar esta noche.Let's dance tonight.
- No permitas que eso te detenga.Don't let that stop you.
- 198 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are in the kitchen.
- LucíaDaniel, déjame usar tu teléfono.Daniel, let me use your phone.
- DanielClaro, pero no lo dejes en el suelo.Sure, but don't leave it on the floor.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, lo dejaré en la mesa.Don't worry, I will leave it on the table.
- DanielEstá bien, Lucía.Alright, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “let” translations and entries dejar, permitir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dejar, permitir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
