Spanish - Permission

¿Necesito permiso para ___?

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 requires permission (then add the action).

Tip: Beginners sometimes forget “para” before the verb or try to use a conjugated verb after 'para'.

¿A quién le puedo pedir permiso?

Who can I ask?

Meaning: Who can I ask?

When to use: Use this to ask who is the right person to give permission.

Tip: Some learners omit the indirect object pronoun 'le' and say the sentence incorrectly.

Puedes ___ aquí.

You can ___ here.

Meaning: You can ___ here.

When to use: Use this informal phrase to give someone permission for an action in this place.

Tip: Learners sometimes use 'puede' (formal) by mistake when speaking to friends — match formality to the person.

No puedes ___ aquí.

You can't ___ here.

Meaning: You can’t ___ here.

When to use: Use this informal phrase to tell someone they are not allowed to do something here.

Sí se puede.

It's allowed.

Meaning: It’s allowed.

When to use: Use this to say that something is permitted in general (natural spoken phrasing).

No se puede.

It's not allowed.

Meaning: It’s not allowed.

When to use: Use this to say that something is not permitted (common spoken form).

Por favor, no ___.

Please don't ___.

Meaning: Please don’t ___.

When to use: Use this polite request to ask someone not to do a specific action (add the verb after the blank).

Sí, claro.

Yes, of course.

Meaning: Yes, of course.

When to use: Use this polite, friendly phrase to grant permission.