Polite way of asking "May I come in?"

Question

Although "Puedo entrar?" seems grammatically fine, it seems quite harsh, like "Can I come in?" in English. Please guide me how to use "May I..." for asking permission.

Muchas gracias, Aaspriha

¿Puedo y puedo? ,- means both 'may I ', and 'can I ', there is no separate word for -'may,' in Spanish - ray76, Aug 6, 2014

A simple but very good question, I honestly had never thought of this. - rodneyp, Aug 7, 2014

Answer 1

I agree with Porcupine that "se puede" is the best use of poder for this situation.

Permitir is another good choice, ie: ¿Me permite (Ud.) / permites (tú) entrar?

Would "¿con permiso?" be used in this situation or is that just "excuse me" - Jubilado, Aug 6, 2014

Not in this situation , it´s "excuse me" when for example you want to pass and someone blocks your path, or when leaving someone´s company - 005faa61, Aug 6, 2014

Answer 2

Se puede. . It is polite

Yes, I've heard this outside a cafe that was half closed for cleaning, the people outside said' Se puede?' - annierats, Aug 6, 2014

Answer 3

How about: Me permite pasar por favor? Se puede pasar? Me podría dejar pasar?

Wonderful and helpful. - katydew, Aug 8, 2014

Answer 4

It's easy to make something polite by adding the word please. So I would say, "Puedo entrar, por favor?" You could make it even more polite with your body language. For example, deliver the words nicely with a pleasant tone, and bow your head slightly. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

....it seems quite harsh, like "Can I come in?" in English

For the sake of those learning English, I'd like to say that I don't see "Can I come in?" as being harsh at all. In fact I'd say it's pretty normal. At least in the US.

Well, it is grammatically incorrect of course - if one is asking for permission. - ian-hill, Aug 6, 2014

Very common and normal in England too. Even if incorrect! - annierats, Aug 6, 2014

Answer 6

¿Puedo (podemos) pasar?

¿Puedo (podemos) entrar?

¿Se puede? (informal)

Answer 7

It should be good enough saying "puedo entrar" but you can always say "se puede"

Answer 8

Puedo o puedo ? February 12/2010.

Puedo=may Puedo = can. How does one tell the difference?

I want to say "Puedo ir caminar"? which suggests "am I able to walk"? when I mean "may I have permission to walk"? How does one show the true meaning , and is it necessary in Spanish to do so ?

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Answer.

00494d19 Heidi.

Hi ray, the question is : how do you distinguish that in English, not in Spanish, as there is no difference

¿Puedo ir a caminar?

As you are asking somebody, this is obviously may I ....

However, can and may are often intechanged by natives, too, so I would not worry. One >understands through context.

I am able to walk. Puedo caminar.

Answer 9

Everyone is right to their explanations, but Rajaji's suggestion seem better. Body language and tone can change the meaning of a statement. I go with: "¿Me puede entrar, por favor?". Gracias and salud!

Thanks but you forgot to vote up my answer :) - Raja-jani, Aug 8, 2014