French - Permission

Je dois demander la permission pour ___ ?

Do I need permission to ___?

Meaning: Do I need permission to ___?

When to use: Use this question when you want to know if an action needs approval (add an infinitive after «pour»).

Je peux demander à qui ?

Who can I ask?

Meaning: Who can I ask?

When to use: Use this when you need to know the person or office that gives permission.

Tu peux ___ ici.

You can ___ here.

Meaning: You can ___ here.

When to use: Give permission informally to a friend or someone you address as «tu».

Tip: Don't use «tu» with strangers or groups — in formal situations use «Vous pouvez ___ ici.»

Tu ne peux pas ___ ici.

You can't ___ here.

Meaning: You can't ___ here.

When to use: Use this to tell someone informally that an action is not allowed.

C'est autorisé.

It's allowed.

Meaning: It's allowed.

When to use: Use this to say that an action is permitted under the rules.

C'est interdit.

It's not allowed.

Meaning: It's not allowed.

When to use: Use this to say that an action is forbidden by rules or signs.

Merci de ne pas ___.

Please don't ___.

Meaning: Please don't ___.

When to use: Use on signs or when politely asking someone not to do something (follow with an infinitive).

Tip: Learners sometimes say the full negative «Ne faites pas ___» which is fine but less common on signs.

Oui, bien sûr.

Yes, of course.

Meaning: Yes, of course.

When to use: Use this polite, friendly response to give permission.