Spanish Conversation · Level 17
89 words
Spanish word
dejar
Pronunciation
IPA/deˈxaɾ/
Meaning
- verblet
Example
Mi madre no me deja ir sola.
My mother doesn't let me go alone.
More examples
¿Me dejas usar tu bolígrafo?
Will you allow me to use your pen?
Core concept
A parent letting a child try a new task.
Common phrases
dejar + infinitivo
allow + infinitive
dejar que + subjuntivo
allow that + subjunctive
dejar a alguien + infinitivo
allow someone to + infinitive
Similar words
permitir: Gives someone informal or everyday permission to carry out an action.
tolerar: Tolerates an unwanted behavior by ignoring it instead of stopping it.
autorizar: Signs off on an action with official authority, often in writing.
Definition in Spanish
Dar permiso a alguien para que realice una acción, frecuentemente seguido de un infinitivo.
Word origin
From Old Spanish dexar 'to leave', originally 'leave behind' and later extended to 'permit', which fits its common construction with an infinitive.
Usage tips
- With a following clause use dejar que + verb, and when the subjects differ the verb is often in the subjunctive.