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"Permite" is a form of "permitir", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to allow". "Permítame" is a form of "permítame", a phrase which is often translated as "allow me". Learn more about the difference between "permite" and "permítame" below.
permitir(
pehr
-
mee
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teer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
c. to permit
A los empleados despedidos no se les permite acceso al edificio.Fired employees are not permitted access to the building.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Me permite pasar?Can I come in?
Si me permite, señora, creo que puedo arreglar la puerta.If I may, ma'am, I think I can fix the door.
a. to allow
Esta maquinaria nos permite tener una mayor producción.This machinery allows us to increase our production.
permitirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to grant)
a. to allow oneself
Me permito saltarme la dieta una vez por semana.I allow myself to skip my diet once a week.
a. to afford
No puedo permitirme viajar más de una vez al año.I can't afford to travel more than once a year.
permítame
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (formal) (imperative; second person singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. allow me
Permítame que le ayude a llevar las maletas. - Gracias, es usted muy amable.Allow me to help you carry your suitcases. - Thank you. You're very kind.
b. let me
Por favor, permítame que le explique por qué me negué a aceptar su propuesta.Please let me explain why I refused to accept your proposal.
