Spanish word

permiso

Pronunciation

IPA/peɾˈmiso/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpermission

Example

Necesito permiso para entrar.

I need permission to come in.

Illustration for permiso (permission)

More examples

¿Con permiso, puedo pasar?

Excuse me, may I come in?

Core concept

A person signaling another to pass.

Common phrases

  • pedir permiso

    ask for permission

  • dar permiso

    give permission

  • con permiso

    excuse me

Similar words

autorización: Formal permission issued by an authority or official body.
licencia: Official document that authorizes a specific activity or use.
consentimiento: Voluntary agreement by the person concerned, given knowingly.
asentimiento: Simple verbal or nodding agreement that signals consent.

Definition in Spanish

Consentimiento o autorización para que alguien haga algo; también se usa como fórmula breve para pedir paso o excusarse al interrumpir.

Word origin

From Latin permissio via the verb permittere (per- 'through' + mittere 'send'), originally 'letting through' and now 'authorization'.

Usage tips

  • 'Con permiso' commonly functions as a brief 'excuse me' to ask someone to move aside while '¿Me permite...?' is the more formal way to request authorization.

Other meanings

  • pardon meinterjection
  • permitnoun
  • time offnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • permitirpermitverb
  • permitidopermittedadjective
  • permisiblepermissibleadjective

Word lists with this word