Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| permiso | /peɾˈmiso/ | masculine |
| venia | /ˈbenja/ | feminine |
| beneplácito | /beneˈplaθito/ /beneˈplasito/ |
masculine |
| permisión | /peɾmiˈsjon/ | feminine |
| impetra | /impetɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The most common way to express the concept of permission is through the word permiso. You can use various phrases to ask for it depending on the situation: ¿Podría…? (Could I…?), ¿Sería posible…? (Would it be possible…?), or ¿Tendría permiso para…? (Would I have permission to…?). To ask if someone minds, you can use ¿Le importaría si…? (Would you mind if…?). In polite settings, you might use ¿Podría por favor…? (Could you please…?) or ¿Sería tan amable de…? (Would you be so kind as to…?).
Which one should you use?
permiso is the most common and versatile word for permission used in everyday Spanish. permisión is a more formal, technical or legalistic term. beneplácito is used when referring specifically to the 'approval' or 'blessing' of an action rather than a simple permit.
How does it change in a sentence?
permiso is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles, such as el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾˈmiso/
When do people say it?
The phrase con permiso is a standard polite way to say 'excuse me' when you need to pass someone or leave a room.
Did you know?
- The word 'venial' in English, often used to describe a minor sin, shares its origin with the Spanish word venia, which refers to formal permission or a gracious granting of leave.
- In some Spanish speaking cultures, saying permiso when entering a room is a social requirement regardless of whether you actually need legal or formal authorization.
- The formal term beneplácito literally translates to 'good pleasure', combining the words for 'well' and 'pleasing'.
Examples in context
- No te pedí tu permiso.I didn't ask for your permission.This sentence shows how to use permiso when saying you didn't ask for it.Tatoeba #2314124 by marcelostockle, translation #2290272 by CK
- No necesito tu permiso.I don't need your permission.This sentence demonstrates using permiso to state you don't need it.Tatoeba #1603163 by hayastan, translation #1625171 by marcelostockle
- Pídele permiso a tus padres.Ask your parents for permission.This sentence illustrates how to use permiso when asking someone to ask their parents.Tatoeba #1638633 by marcelostockle, translation #1638301 by Spamster
- ¿Me permite usar su teléfono, por favor?May I use your phone, please?
- ¿Tendría permiso para entrar en esta zona restringida?Would I have permission to enter this restricted area?
- ¿Sería posible tomar fotografías en este museo?Would it be possible to take photographs in this museum?
- ¿Puedo usar tu bicicleta para dar un paseo?Can I use your bike for a ride?
- ¿Me dejas entrar a tu casa? Quisiera mostrarte algo.Can you let me in your house? I want to show you something.
- ¿Te importa si pruebo un poco de tu comida?Do you mind if I try some of your food?
- ¿Podría por favor prestarme un bolígrafo?Could you please lend me a pen?
- ¿Sería tan amable de permitirme pasar adelante?Would you be so kind as to let me go first?
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel wants to leave work early.
- DanielSofía, ¿tengo tu permiso para salir temprano?Sofía, do I have your permission to leave early?
- SofíaSí, Daniel, tienes mi permiso.Yes, Daniel, you have my permission.
- DanielGracias, voy a avisar al jefe.Thanks, I'm going to let the boss know.
- SofíaEstá bien, que tengas buen día.That's fine, have a good day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “permission” translations and entries permiso, venia, beneplácito, permisión, impetra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beneplácito, permisión, permiso, venia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
